UFO Newsclipping Service - 1983 12 - no 173

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 1983, features a variety of reports on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from across the United States and the United Kingdom. The cover highlights a dramatic incident where a UFO allegedly shook a woman's car on Route 220, and also mentions "mystery lights" making an "encore" appearance. Another article discusses a radio station's unique approach to communicating with potential extraterrestrials.

Mystery Lights Make Encore

This article by E.B. Walzer details a reappearance of mysterious lights, similar to those seen in local skies previously, over the Carmel police station in Putnam County. Policemen and passers-by observed the lights for about 10 minutes as they moved slowly and banked north. Witnesses, including John and Linda Torpey, did not believe the lights were airplanes, describing one as a boomerang shape about 200 feet across and making no noise. Patrolman Thomas Budington confirmed that police headquarters received calls about a V-shape of lights over Lake Casse. Similar sightings had been reported across Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess, and Connecticut, and even across the Hudson River in Rockland and Ulster counties. The article also references a large oval-shaped object with multicolored lights seen hovering above New Haven, Connecticut, and later in Bridgeport.

Station's Message Out of This World

This AP report from Muscatine, Iowa, describes radio station KFMH broadcasting a message to aliens every Wednesday at midnight. Program director Steve Bridges stated the message is one of friendship, inviting aliens to communicate. The station provides its location in multiple languages and asks for a response. Bridges noted significant community interest, with over 300 calls received, leading to the installation of a separate phone line. He emphasized the seriousness of the initiative, differentiating it from promotional stunts.

UFO Shakes Woman's Car as She Drives on Route 220

Written by Marsha Heim, this article recounts Catherine Burk's unsettling experience on Route 220. While driving, she heard a "fast whirling sound" and her car was lifted onto two wheels. She saw a "silver flying object" pass overhead. As she struggled to regain control, the object swooped away. Mrs. Burk reported hearing a "weird noise," described the object as "bright silver with a pocket underneath it," and "really big." She noted it was flat on top with a round, silver bottom, circular and on a tilt. Her car became "wobbly," and she had difficulty controlling it. After the car righted itself with a "thud," her vehicle wouldn't start for 20 to 25 minutes. She also reported seeing a "silver streak in the sky" later. Mrs. Burk, who is 67, decided not to tell many people, fearing they would think she was crazy.

Piezoelectric UFOs Over Wayne County/?...Say What???

This article by Brent Raynes discusses the theory that some UFOs might be piezoelectric in nature, relating to quartz rocks. It mentions a report from a woman near Collinwood, Alabama, who saw a reddish-orange sphere about ten feet in diameter. The article notes that Wayne County, Alabama, has been the scene of much reported low-level UFO activity, particularly around 1973. Thomas E. Bearden, Vice-President of the American Association of Meta Science, suggests that the phenomenon investigated by Wyatt Cox and Greg Keeton, who have photographed unidentified lights, might be piezoelectric. Bearden believes quartz-bearing rocks can discharge electrical currents when under pressure, potentially explaining some UFO lights.

Fern Chick: Woman Takes Hypnotic Journey to Recall Trip to Alien Spacecraft

This article details Christina Bryant's experience, which began with a game of making lights turn blue and red in the New Mexico sky in 1976. During a drive from Phoenix, Arizona, to Lubbock with her daughter and a friend, they noticed lights. After stopping, they found themselves on a back road with a police car that had "funny lights" and a one-car wreck. Bryant experienced a "sudden chill" when a "policeman" touched her hand. An impossible time lapse occurred between their stop and arrival in Lubbock. Bryant later underwent hypnosis with hypnotherapist Jackson Morris, facilitated by Bob Morgan of MUFONSA. Under hypnosis, Bryant recalled an encounter with a "policeman" who was 5-11, blond, with blue eyes, and had a "coolie hat"-shaped police "car." She was taken into a spacecraft with a large window and saw screens with directional finders. She described an examination involving a "surgical looking table," a "huge syringe," and a "long silver cylinder." She recalled an out-of-body experience and skin being scraped from her arm. She also described aliens with almond-shaped eyes, small non-functional mouths, and pasty complexions, wearing skin-tight caps. She identified one alien as "Oran or Oron."

Station's Message Out of This World

This article, from the HERALD-JOURNAL, Syracuse, NY, dated Nov. 24, 1983, reports on radio station KFMH in Muscatine, Iowa, broadcasting a message to aliens every Wednesday at midnight. Program director Steve Bridges stated the message is one of friendship, inviting aliens to communicate. The station provides its location in multiple languages and asks for a response. Bridges noted significant community interest, with over 300 calls received, leading to the installation of a separate phone line. He emphasized the seriousness of the initiative, differentiating it from promotional stunts.

UFO Every 15 Minutes

This article from the YORKSHIRE EVENING POST, Leeds, England, dated Sept. 24, 1983, discusses the frequency of UFO sightings globally and in the UK. Graham W. Birdsall, Chairman of the Yorkshire UFO Society, notes that the Centre for UFO Studies in Illinois calculated an estimated 100 reports of UFOs every 24 hours worldwide. The article mentions specific sightings in Yorkshire, including a bright ball of light seen by a Bradford woman and an overnight lorry driver who saw lights between junctions 22 and 23 of the M62. It touches on the Ministry of Defence's reluctance to comment on UFOs unless they pose a threat, contrasting this with the French government's past official research. The article also mentions Spain's detailed radar records and the United States' admission of unexplained sightings.

UFOs in Yorks

This section, likely a continuation of the previous article, provides more details on UFO sightings in the Yorkshire region. It mentions the Yorkshire UFO Society's analysis of reports and a specific incident on March 25 where a Bradford woman observed a bright ball of light. Another incident on April 15 involved an overnight lorry driver seeing lights on the M62. The article suggests that some sightings might be explained as military aircraft maneuvers, but notes that the Ministry of Defence is reluctant to provide information.

Enigma

This part of the article discusses the official stance of the Ministry of Defence in the UK, which is reluctant to investigate UFOs unless they pose a threat. It contrasts this with the French government's past official research. The article also mentions Spain's detailed records of radar tracks and the United States' admission of unexplained sightings. It speculates on the possibility of UFOs being from other worlds, especially with the discovery of new solar systems.

Strange Meeting in Hospital Grounds

This article from the YORKSHIRE EVENING POST, Leeds, England, dated Sept. 25, 1983, reports on a UFO sighting in hospital grounds. Graham W. Birdsall of the Yorkshire UFO Society describes a five-part series related to his book. The article details a sighting where a UFO was seen hovering and then shot straight up into the sky. It mentions that the Ministry of Defence is reluctant to comment on such phenomena.

UFO seen in Oxon skies

This article from the OXFORD TIMES, Oxford, England, dated Nov. 24, 1983, reports on a sighting by Dan Kraus, a research assistant at the Pine Mountain Observatory. Kraus observed a bright light that moved in an unusual way, not corresponding to any known aircraft. He described it as half red and half something else, and it bounced around before disappearing. University astronomer Jim Kemp was consulted and found Kraus's account credible, though he suggested the light might have appeared farther away than it was. The FAA logged no unusual air traffic.

UFO group probe 'strange lights' city skywatchers

This article from the HASTINGS AND ST LEONARDS OBSERVER, Hastings, England, dated Oct. 27, 1983, discusses a UFO sighting reported by members of the National Association for UFO Research (NAFOR). The article mentions that NAFOR is investigating reports of "strange lights" seen over the city. It also touches on the possibility of a government cover-up and the study of unexplained phenomena.

Close Encounters of Pennine Kind

This is the first part of a five-part series adapted from Jenny Randles' book, "The Pennine UFO Mystery." It reports on a moorland puzzle and weird lights over Menwith Hill. The article details an incident in August 1975 where Arthur Foster saw a large, "egg-shaped" object drift down a hillside near Holmfirth and Uppermill. He described it as oval, about 20ft wide and 12ft high, radiating light but not illuminating the ground. Investigators found Foster to be sincere. The article also mentions other sightings in the Pennine region in 1976 and early 1977, including a "large grey disc" over Ilkley Moor and reports of lights and triangles near Burnley, Skipton, and Bradford. A particularly spectacular incident on July 28, 1978, involved multiple lights and a huge ball of light seen near the Menwith Hill base.

'Oyster in the sky' seen as U.F.O.

This article from the PORTSMOUTH NEWS, Hants., England, dated Oct. 19, 1983, reports on an "oyster-shaped object" seen over Bedhampton. Roger Woods and Frank Waters contacted Havant police after observing the object for five minutes. Woods described it as traveling slowly, very bright, with five separate lights attached, and making no noise. He estimated it was about 2,000 ft up. The object was described as having a cigar or oyster shape.

Satellite Hit by a Mystery Object

This report from the GULF DAILY NEWS, Manama, Bahrain, dated Oct. 10, 1983, states that an unidentified object hit the Indian national satellite Insat IB shortly after it separated from the U.S. space shuttle Challenger. The object, about eight inches in size, hit the satellite 23 seconds after separation. The Indian Space Research Organisation reported the incident, and a video film from Challenger revealed the impact. It was unclear if the object came from within the cargo bay.

Couple's New UFO Sighting

This article from the FARNBOROUGH NEWS & MAIL, Aldershot, England, dated Oct. 25, 1983, describes a sighting by Mr. Peter New and his wife Patricia. While driving home, they saw a "weird" unidentified object hovering over them. They described it as a large dark mass with round porthole-type lights, completely stationary and suspended about 200 feet up. Mr. New, who works at Heathrow Airport, stated that he had never encountered anything in his work that could explain it. The couple saw the object again the following morning. They expressed that they wished they hadn't seen it, as family members had laughed at them.

UFO captured in Marsh's Corn Farm

This article from the DAILY, Decatur, AL, dated Oct. 25, 1983, reports on a UFO sighting by Dick Schatz and his brother in the Linnton area of Portland, Oregon. They photographed a motionless object with a bluish-white light that moved at high speed. The object angled away towards Vancouver and then went straight up. Dick Schatz estimated its speed to be at least four times that of a domestic jet aircraft. The object appeared to hover over high-voltage power lines crossing the Willamette River.

Limestone residents ponder strange light

This article from the DAILY, Decatur, AL, dated Oct. 19, 1983, covers multiple sightings of unidentified lights in western Limestone County, Alabama. Ty Strickland, a 16-year-old student, described seeing a diamond-shaped object with several lights. Brad Zirbel and Steve Allen saw a bright orange-and-white ball of light. Tracy Carpenter described a bright light in a field. Alan Johnson used a telescope to observe the lights. Residents gathered at Zirbel's airstrip hoping to see the lights again. A strange glowing light was observed in a cotton field for about 90 seconds. Strickland and Green reported seeing a diamond-shaped object that appeared to land near a power plant. They also saw "white glowing eyes" in the road.

Limestone UFO is sighted by crowd, DAILY reporter explains local UFO mystery

This article from the DAILY, Decatur, AL, dated Oct. 21, 1983, discusses the Limestone County sightings. Reporter David Pryor observed the lights himself. Brad Zirbel reported seeing a bright orange and white light that moved in patterns not possible for an airplane. Bobby Zirbel, his father, also witnessed a strange light. Tracy Carpenter described a bright light in a field. Alan Johnson observed the lights with a telescope. The article mentions that the sightings caused a stir at Clements High School and in the Turner Crossroads area. A crowd gathered at Zirbel's airstrip, and a bright red light was seen in a cotton field for 90 seconds. Ty Strickland and Kim Green described a diamond-shaped object with lights that appeared to land. They also reported seeing "white glowing eyes" in the road.

UFOs in southwest Limestone County continue in southeast Limestone County

This article from the DAILY State Editor, dated Nov. 5, 1983, reports on continued UFO sightings in Limestone County, Alabama. Residents have reported seeing strange lights, including a diamond-shaped object and glowing "eyes." The article mentions that no official explanation has been given, but theories include static electricity or methane gas. Bobby Zirbel suggested static electricity due to dry conditions. Jesse Crouch reported seeing a strange orange-to-reddish light for five years and noted a large hole in the ground that appeared recently.

UFOs? Of Whatever They Were Reported in Kimminswick

This article from the POST-DISPATCH, St. Louis, MO, dated Oct. 30, 1983, discusses UFO sightings in Kimminswick. Residents reported seeing strange lights in the sky. Police officials believe the lights were likely from individuals trying to frighten people. Detective Joseph Sobel described six or eight lights in a V-shape that were eerie due to the lack of sound. Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely stated that the things seen were smaller than humans but larger than dogs. Sheriff's secretary Kay Worsham expressed belief in the witnesses' accounts.

Women report seeing 3 UFOs

This article from the DAILY, Decatur, AL, dated Nov. 6, 1983, details sightings by Jossie Johnson, Faye Jenkins, and Edaline Glenn in Neel, Alabama. They reported seeing silent, unidentified objects with headlights and blinking lights. Mrs. Johnson described an object with two headlights and a "racket just about like a three or four-year-old Fridgidaire." Jenkins described "multiple lights on the bottom and a real pretty blue light blinking on the top." They saw a single UFO the first night and two the second, moving too slowly to be airplanes.

Couple spots UFO

This article from the NEWS, Northfield, MN, dated Nov. 3, 1983, reports on a sighting by Ernest and Molly Fredenburg. Ernest Fredenburg saw a "big silver ball with sparkly diamonds all over it and one blinking red light on the bottom," moving very fast and silently. Mrs. Fredenburg confirmed the description. Fredenburg, a former police officer, expressed a desire for the government to explain such phenomena to avoid public fear.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across diverse geographical locations, the challenges faced by witnesses in being believed, and the ongoing debate about potential government cover-ups. Several articles highlight the visual characteristics of reported UFOs, such as their shapes, lights, and silent or unusual movements. The issue also touches upon the scientific and investigative approaches to UFO phenomena, including hypnotic regression and the analysis of witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports without overt skepticism, allowing the witness accounts and investigative details to speak for themselves, while also acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining official explanations or validations.

This issue of The Pinkney, dated September 27, 1983, titled "UFOs and water – the strange link," delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and related mysteries. The cover headline boldly suggests that "UFOs 'trying to warn us of nuclear war'," setting a tone of potential global threat and extraterrestrial intervention. The magazine features reports from various locations, interviews with investigators and witnesses, and explores long-standing legends like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.

UFOs and Potential Warnings

The lead article, "UFOs 'trying to warn us of nuclear war'," posits that alien intelligences might be attempting to communicate concerns about humanity's destructive path. This theme is echoed in other articles, which explore the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement in global affairs.

Key UFO Incidents and Sightings

Rendlesham Forest Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Rendlesham Forest incident, which occurred in December 1980. An official report from Lt. Col. Charles Halt, Deputy Base Commander at RAF Woodbridge, is detailed. The report describes USAF security patrols investigating unusual lights and discovering a 'strange glowing object' that hovered on legs before maneuvering through trees and disappearing. The object illuminated the entire forest with a white light, and the following day, three depressions, approximately 1.5 inches deep and seven inches in diameter, were found where the object had been sited. The report, released under the Freedom of Information Act, lends official weight to claims made by UFO investigators like Dot Street and Brenda Butler. Capt. Kathy McCollom of the public affairs department at Woodbridge stated that the report was a courtesy for the Ministry of Defence and that the USAF was not interested in investigating off-base incidents.

Other Witness Accounts

Several other UFO sightings are reported across the UK:

• Suffolk, England: The Ipswich Evening Star reports on an official report spelling out a spaceship landing in Suffolk, with Americans confirming its genuineness but dismissing claims of 'little silvery men' as fanciful. Lt. Col. Halt's report is central to this, detailing the hovering object and the depressions found. UFO investigators like Mrs. Dot Street and Brenda Butler are mentioned, advocating for transparency.
• Sheffield, England: The Morning Telegraph and RAF Finningley received reports of a UFO over Handsworth, Sheffield, described as having a green light at the front and three red lights to the rear, moving swiftly towards Treeton. The Yorkshire Evening Post also notes a UFO sighting over Hull.
• Blowick, England: A reader, Stephen Edwards, reported seeing a bright, diamond-like object in the early hours of October 11, which retreated and vanished.
• M1 Motorway, England: Radio star David Jacobs reported seeing a mysterious ball of light, described as a brilliant white light with a 'tail,' shoot across the sky at a low altitude. This sighting led to numerous calls to BBC switchboards, with listeners reporting similar sightings, piecing together a path from Yorkshire to the West Country.
• Jumilla, Murcia, Spain: An article translated from El Pais details the case of Mrs. Próspera Muñoz, who claims to have been abducted by extraterrestrials in 1946 or 1947. She describes small beings with big eyes wearing white uniforms and a silvery 'car.' Her amnesia regarding the event was reportedly broken through hypnosis, with specialists suggesting the beings themselves might have caused it.

The Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot

The issue also revisits the enduring mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.

Loch Ness Monster

Several articles focus on Loch Ness. One piece discusses the tragic death of Sir John Cobb in 1952, who was killed when his speedboat 'Crusader' exploded on Loch Ness. Speculation arose that the Loch Ness monster might have been involved, particularly given alleged sightings of the creature shortly before the incident. William Allison, an eyewitness, recounts the event and the subsequent theories. A leading authority from the British Natural History Museum is quoted as saying there are 'inexplicable phenomena' on Loch Ness that remain unexplained. Another article explores the scientific research and ongoing 'monster hunting' season at Loch Ness, noting the mix of serious investigation and more eccentric approaches, such as American expeditions with harpoon darts. The article highlights the historical context of the legend, dating back to AD 565, and the impact of modern infrastructure on the area.

Roy Mackal, a University of Chicago biologist, is featured discussing his search for a prehistoric, plant-eating animal in the Congo, resembling a sauropod. He notes that the area remains unchanged from prehistoric times, allowing for the possibility of such creatures surviving. Mackal's interest in unexplained phenomena is well-established, including his role in the Loch Ness investigation in 1965, where sonar scanners recorded large objects moving in the lake.

Bigfoot

An article from the Seattle Times reports on Jon Erik Beckjord, a Seattle man who claims to have new evidence for both Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Beckjord claims to have videotaped 'something' in Loch Ness and interviewed a man named Richard Bigfeather who allegedly was kidnapped by a Bigfoot tribe in 1968. Beckjord believes Bigfoot people use extrasensory perception and may have a connection with UFOs. He describes them as 'gods, fairies or demons.'

China's Wildman Research Association is also mentioned, reporting new evidence of ape-like creatures, similar to Bigfoot, including hair samples and footprints. The report notes that these creatures are active in 13 of China's 29 provinces.

Other Reports and Themes

• UFOs in Ipswich: An article discusses Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) being tested by the US and Canada, suggesting they might explain some UFO sightings, such as a scare in Ipswich in 1981 caused by a Lockheed C5A Galaxy. The Ministry of Defence's UFO sightings section is mentioned, with a breakdown of identified phenomena versus unidentified ones.
• Bardin Booger Legend: A report from Florida details the local legend of the 'Bardin Booger,' a creature that stalks the night. While some dismiss it as folklore or hoaxes, the legend is good for local business and continues to be a part of the community's identity.
• Cycles in UFO Sighting: A letter to the editor discusses the apparent cycles or frequency of UFO reporting, noting peaks in reporting over the years and questioning whether October 1983 has produced any authentic sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the unexplained, and potential government cover-ups. There's a clear interest in validating witness accounts and pursuing scientific research into phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging investigation and questioning official narratives. The recurring presence of legends like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot alongside contemporary UFO sightings suggests a broad interest in cryptozoology and anomalous aerial phenomena. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for sharing these unusual stories and fostering discussion among readers.