UFO Newsclipping Service - 1985 07 - no 192

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 1985 (Issue #192), presents a collection of articles and reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena from various newspapers across the United States. The publication focuses on witness accounts, expert opinions, and ongoing investigations into unidentified flying objects.

Article: UFOs not fly-by-night objects for Massachusetts group

This article by Rose Foley from the Chelmsford Independent (April 25, 1985) discusses the work of the Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MUFON), an organization dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. Barry J. Greenwood, assistant state director of MUFON's Massachusetts branch, takes the subject seriously, stating that even the government may not have answers about the phenomenon. The article mentions Project Blue Book, the U.S. Air Force's investigation into UFOs, and notes that some official UFO investigations have "missing" information or are labeled "top secret." Greenwood highlights a 1975 security alert from Montana to Maine, suggesting the government is aware of something significant. He has amassed a large collection of UFO-related material, including books, manuscripts, and government documents. A recent Gallup Poll indicated that over 57% of Americans believe UFOs are real, with 15 million claiming to have had sightings. Greenwood himself has never seen a UFO but notes that most sightings occur in remote areas. He mentions historical waves of sightings in 1947, 1952, 1957, 1965-1967, and 1973, with a lull in recent years, noting fewer than a handful of sightings in Massachusetts in 1984. The article also touches on a UFO wave in December 1909 and a 1950s abduction claim. Physical evidence such as altered magnetic fields, burn marks, and broken tree limbs have been reported. Sightings have evolved from disk-shaped objects hovering in the 1950s-60s to boomerang shapes and other forms, sometimes appearing as bright lights or formations.

Article: UFOs spotted

Greg Flannery's report for the Northeast Suburban Life (May 1, 1985) details a UFO sighting on Galbraith Road in Deer Park, Ohio. Shirley Kamman reported seeing a huge light on April 25th, which her granddaughter Michelle McCalla described as a "big, bright light in the sky" that moved at "warp speed" and disappeared in seconds, displaying rainbow colors when turning. Kamman noted similar sightings in Northern Kentucky, and Michelle confirmed this was the first time they had come over to Ohio.

Article: UFOs to software; Paris to Palo Alto

This profile by Nick Arnett in the Business Journal (May 27, 1985) focuses on Jacques Vallee, a venture capitalist, author, and UFO expert who inspired the character in Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Vallee, who has a background in math, astrophysics, and computer science, is described as being ahead of his time in communication software. The article contrasts European and Silicon Valley approaches to risk and innovation. Vallee's early career included writing science fiction and working at the Paris Observatory, where he encountered skepticism about UFOs. He moved to the U.S. in 1962, helped map Mars using computers, and later earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University. He worked on expert systems and information retrieval, developing software like "Notepad." Vallee's wide-ranging interests and ability to link seemingly unrelated concepts are highlighted. His business partner, Arthur Cunningham, describes Vallee as a visionary who is often ahead of his time, making his ventures difficult to market but potentially groundbreaking.

Article: UFO baffles Natchitoches-area viewers

The Times in Shreveport, LA (May 22, 1985) reports on a UFO sighting by James Cheatwood at an Interstate 49 construction site. Deputy Greg Dunn and a state trooper responded, initially suggesting it was a weather balloon. However, the National Weather Service stated its balloons only have flashlight bulbs, and a research center in Palestine, Texas, reported no balloons in the air. Cheatwood described an object with a three-foot-diameter light and movements not typical of a weather balloon.

Article: Two See UFO In Lincolnton

This article from the Focus (Hickory, NC, May 30, 1985) describes an encounter by four residents near Lincolnton, NC, on May 1st. Mrs. Judy Scronce and Mrs. Danny Alderholdt reported seeing a huge UFO shaped "like the planet Saturn" with revolving windows and flashing lights. It hovered at almost ground level for 30 minutes, causing power failures in two homes and unusual silence from neighborhood animals. Danny Alderholdt approached the object, describing it as "big enough to fill Yankee Stadium" and noting "waves of heat." Field investigator George D. Fawcett of MUFON confirmed reports of a suspected low-flying plane with no noise in the area around the same time, though Charlotte radar could not detect it. Fawcett lists this as a "Close Encounter of the Second Kind."

Article: Hole story continues

Mary Koch's report in the Chronicle (Omak, WA, June 5, 1985) revisits the "Hole-In-The-Ground" or "Earth Cookie" phenomenon. The tabloid "The Sun" suggested aliens dug the hole with a hovering cigar-shaped craft that beamed green light. The article quotes "UFOlogist Bernard Fogler" who believes the craft has been doing research in the area for years, capturing animals and taking soil samples. A reader from Coral Gables, Florida, questioned the tabloid's report, seeking to verify its truth.

Article: Evidence Covered Up, UFO Buffs Told Here

Victor Volland's Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, MO, June 30, 1985) article covers Stanton F. Friedman's claims at a MUFON symposium that the U.S. and Canada have engaged in a 35-year conspiracy of silence regarding UFO evidence. Friedman cited scientific evidence of over 2,000 landings, 3,000 visual sightings by pilots, and 3,000 reports of human-like aliens and abductions. He criticized "negativists" like Carl Sagan and mentioned the Roswell incident as an example of alleged cover-up. Friedman believes governments suppress UFO evidence to maintain nationalistic control. The article also notes that polls show more Americans believe in UFOs than disbelieve, with a higher belief rate among educated individuals.

Article: The vanishing UFO

Stacey Burling's Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO, June 9, 1985) article discusses the decline in UFO sightings since the mid-1970s. Lorita Green, president of the Denver UFO Society, notes a lack of activity. Researcher Mark Rodeghier estimates reports are down 50-75% since 1973. The article explores reasons for this decline, including the Air Force closing its investigation in 1969, decreased public excitement, and the possibility that UFOs are becoming more sophisticated or that people are less inclined to report sightings. Some believers, like Victor LeRoy, still anticipate greater activity. Philip J. Klass, a UFO debunker, suggests that outlandish reports and the "Gresham's Law" effect (where more outlandish stories overshadow believable ones) have contributed to the decline. The article also briefly mentions the historical context of "War of the Worlds."

Article: UFO's seen over the Methow

This Valley News (Methow, WA, June 13, 1985) report by Jennifer Pitts details sightings of unidentified flying objects over the Methow Valley. Dick Chavey saw objects with red, green, and white lights hovering well above the horizon. Jennifer Hurlen, Patty Yates, and Jim Gerlach spoke with tourists who described sphere-like objects with red and green lights that moved with incredible speed, seeing seven UFOs over three hours. Chavey reported seeing similar objects again on Monday night.

Article: Leading UFO researchers to meet here

An article from The Times (Beverly, MA, June 12, 1985) announces a two-day forum in August featuring leading UFO researchers like J. Allen Hynek, John Schuessler, Willy Smith, Budd Hopkins, Barry Greenwood, and Dan Wright. The conference, organized by Marge Christensen of Massachusetts MUFON, aims to inform the public about the UFO phenomenon and the need for scientific research. Hynek, founder of the Center for UFO Studies, previously served as the Air Force's chief UFO consultant for Project Bluebook. The event will include panel discussions, literature sales, and videotape documentaries.

Article: Eyes big as saucers? UFO has encounter for you

Rolla J. Crick's article in The Oregonian (Portland, OR, June 18, 1985) highlights Wayne S. Aho of New Age Foundation Inc., who urges people to report UFO sightings. Aho expects many UFOs worldwide around June 24th, marking 38 years since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting near Mount Rainier, which he considers a major landing site. The article mentions the "New Space Age Convention" and the controversy surrounding Adamski's photos of alleged "saucers." It notes the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book report, which discounted evidence of alien spaceships, and Aho's strong criticism of this denial as a "cosmic Watergate."

Article: A Cigar-Shaped Object, Glowing

Jon Carroll's column in the Chronicle (San Francisco, CA, June 27, 1985) humorously reviews the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (the Condon Report). Carroll highlights the report's detailed methodology, including an investigation into a telepathically predicted UFO landing at a racetrack, which ultimately yielded no results. He uses this anecdote to illustrate the often farcical nature of some UFO investigations, while acknowledging the report's comprehensive scope.

Article: Major Donald Keyhoe Discusses the Flying Saucer Mystery

This article by Fritz Simmons from the Chronicle ("This World," San Francisco, CA, March 19, 1950) discusses Major Donald Keyhoe's belief that some flying saucers are interplanetary spaceships. Keyhoe, a Marine Major, agrees that some reports may be hoaxes or misinterpretations but firmly believes others are extraterrestrial craft. He cites military and scientific pilot reports and the objects' reported maneuverability and speed as evidence against conventional explanations. Keyhoe suggests that these craft have been visiting Earth for over a century and that they appear friendly. He also mentions Navy Commander Robert B. McLaughlin's similar conviction based on scientific instruments.

Article: Visitors from Space ? Light Beams in 'Code'

This third in a series by Tom Eastham (AMERICAN, Chicago, IL, Feb. 1, 1955) reports on three Chicago electronics experts who believe they are intercepting signals from flying saucers using light beams. John Otto, a patent engineer and chief investigator for Flying Saucers International, along with engineers Al Williams and Myron Anthony, developed a transmitter and receiver system. They have detected a code resembling Morse code but with a bell-like tone, and more recently, unintelligible voices. Otto believes these are signals from space vehicles, possibly extraterrestrials, and that light beams offer a viable medium for communication. The article also briefly mentions Mrs. Dorothy Martin's claims of receiving messages from space people via light beams, which foretold and then retracted a tidal wave prediction.

Article: Saucers 'Out of This World'

This fourth in a series by Tom Eastham (AMERICAN, Chicago, IL, Feb. 3, 1955) explores why many people believe flying saucers come from other planets, citing their incredible aerial maneuvers. The article features Truman Bethurum's account of meeting a "captain" from a saucer from the planet Clarion in 1952, and George Adamski's claims of meeting beings from Venus and other planets, along with photos of alleged spacecraft. It also mentions Daniel W. Fry's story of being taken on a saucer trip. The article notes the controversy surrounding Adamski's photos and Fry's technical descriptions of the craft.

Article: Mystery of 3 Moons: Satellites or Saucers?

Tom Eastham's fifth in a series (AMERICAN, Chicago, IL, Feb. 2, 1955) discusses speculation about two extra satellites reportedly spotted by astronomers, which the Pentagon feared might be Soviet space stations. Dr. Lincoln La Paz and Dr. Clyde Tombaugh were tasked with identifying them. La Paz confirmed the existence of two satellites, calling them "natural" meteors trapped in orbit. However, he later denied an Aviation Week story that attributed his confirmation to a satellite search program. The article also touches on the idea that small "glowing light" saucers might be robot "eyes" of larger "mother ships," as suggested by George Adamski and Daniel W. Fry. Len H. Stringfield, heading Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects, is investigating reports of a massive object hovering over Cincinnati in 1949.

Article: Visitors from Space ? Saucer Folk Called Harmless

This article by Tom Eastham (TIMES, Kansas City, MO, Oct. 30, 1959) focuses on George Adamski's accounts of encounters with beings from other planets. Adamski, who claims to have spent over 200 hours with them, states they are observing Earth due to natural changes in its orbital position. He describes them as beautiful, with finer features than humans, and from planets like Venus and Clarion. Adamski asserts they are not hostile, have no armaments, and will not interfere with human activities, though they are willing to help. He also mentions the theory that fragments of comets, described as "dirty snowballs," could be the source of ice falling from the sky, referencing a case in Georgia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the scientific and public investigation of these phenomena, and the persistent mystery surrounding them. There's a clear interest in witness testimony, expert analysis from organizations like MUFON, and historical cases. The articles often touch upon the skepticism faced by believers and the alleged government cover-ups or lack of transparency regarding UFO evidence. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, investigators, and skeptics, while acknowledging the enduring fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. The publication seems to lean towards presenting UFOs as a genuine phenomenon worthy of serious consideration, even if definitive answers remain elusive.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS," dated March 28, 1985, from the BRADFORD STAR, Yorkshire, England, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a prominent cover story about strange night lights triggering UFO theories.

Strange Night Lights Trigger UFO Theory

The lead story details an "extraordinary paranormal experience" of a couple in Thorpe Edge, Yorkshire, who claimed to have witnessed a glowing, four-legged structure resembling a spacecraft in Calverley woods between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on July 22 of the previous year. They also reported observing small, "almost reptilian humanoids" collecting specimens around the object. This sighting was reported to the newly formed West Yorkshire UFO Research Group, which was appealing for public accounts of paranormal experiences. Paul Bennett of the group stated that an earlier appeal in "The Star" had resulted in numerous undiscovered UFO reports and increased membership.

Triangle Drama at Drive-In

An article from PIX-PEOPLE, Sydney, Australia, dated May 6, 1985, describes a "triangle drama at drive-in" in Mareeba, Queensland. Witnesses reported a "gaudily-coloured UFO" that changed shape from an oval to a triangle, hovering above a drive-in theatre. The object was described as ablaze with red and yellow lights, and similar phenomena were reported across Queensland. The article notes that witnesses hundreds of kilometers apart described similar objects, and includes photographs of "nose-lights" on UFOs, referencing sightings by Professor J. Allen Hynek and plumber Roy Manifold. The author, John Pinkney, concludes that the consistent reporting of UFOs in similar shapes and colors globally is powerful proof of their existence.

Is it a bird or a plane? No - it was a bonfire

This article from the WESTERN INDEPENDENT, Plymouth, England, dated May 19, 1985, by Kevan Blackadder, investigates an incident involving Eric Morris, chairman of the Plymouth UFO Investigation Centre. Morris was convinced a UFO had caused scorch marks in a country lane near Colan, Cornwall, and sought a geiger counter to prove his point. Despite finding no radioactivity readings, Morris remained convinced by a witness's description of a "craft." He believed RAF St. Mawgan, located nearby, must have detected something on radar but was uncooperative. A witness, Mrs. Kim Lansdown, described seeing a "pure light, of no particular shape or form" and believed it was something unusual, though she attributed the scorch marks to a "small bonfire that got a little out of hand."

Soviet UFOs

A POST-HERALD, Birmingham, AL, report from May 20, 1985, by L. Phillips, discusses a debate in the Soviet press regarding unidentified flying objects. The labor newspaper "Trud" reported an Aeroflot plane's encounter with a bright light that "escorted" it. However, the Soviet military newspaper "Kraznaya Zvezda" stated that UFOs are optical illusions, indicating confusion over the official stance.

'Big Cat' Survey on Island

A FORTEANA NEWS item from the ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS, Newport, England, dated May 24, 1985, discusses a survey by the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) into alleged "big cat" sightings on the island. The organization was seeking to determine if the phenomenon was real and if there was any correlation between sighting locations and witness experiences.

Official hush-hush over 'UFO' scare

This article from the EXETER EXPRESS & ECHO, Devon, England, dated May 31, 1985, by T. Good, reports on an "official cloak of secrecy" surrounding sightings of a massive UFO over Devon. People who saw the brightly lit, cigar-shaped craft questioned if it was military. The Ministry of Defence was vague, and local airports had no reports. Two Exeter men, David Howell and Brian Cosway, suggested it might have been large transport aircraft practicing mid-air refuelling, a theory supported by a past Ministry of Defence explanation for similar sightings.

UFO on Birdsville Track

Another PIX-PEOPLE, Sydney, Australia, report from May 20, 1985, by John Pinkney, details a sighting of a "dazzlingly-lit globe" skimming above the Birdsville Track in 1980. Chris Daley and Dave Foster described a flattened grass patch in an egg-shape and later saw a globe-shaped object take off at incredible speed. They found fine white powder on the ground where it had lifted off and speculated it might have been interested in the piezo quartz in the area.

'WEIRD' RECTANGLE IN SKY

A WHITBY GAZETTE, Yorkshire, England, report from June 14, 1985, by T. Good, describes a "weird" rectangle of light seen in the sky over Whitby by Stephen Goddard. He observed it moving slowly and eventually fading out. His family's dog reportedly behaved strangely at the time of the sighting.

Mystery sparked after many night sightings '1,000FT-LONG UFO' LIGHTS UP DEVON

This PRESS, Potters Bar, England, article from June 6, 1985, by T. Good, details sightings of a massive, 1,000ft-long UFO over Devon. Witnesses described it as brilliantly lit and silent, moving in a straight line for about an hour before shooting off. Amateur astronomer Ian Platt and other residents observed the object. RAF Chivenor and Exeter Airport had no reports. Astronomer James Hedley Robinson suggested it was a man-made military object, not extraterrestrial.

Was it really a UFO?

This PRESS, Potters Bar, England, article from June 6, 1985, by T. Good, continues the Devon UFO sighting report. Gaetano Avogadri described a brightly lit, silent object over his house. Checks with police and local aerodromes yielded no reports of unusual traffic. An air traffic controller suggested it might have been a civilian airliner, but the object's description did not match.

Did Jane see UFO?

A STAR, Cwmbran, Wales, report from June 7, 1985, by T. Good, features Miss Jane Thomas, who saw a large, square object hovering and bouncing above a mountain. She described it as not being a trick of the light and noted that several people had reported seeing objects in the area the previous year.

Missing Fireball Puzzles Soviets

A JAPAN TIMES, Tokyo, Japan, report from June 17, 1985, by Y. Matsumura, discusses Soviet scientists puzzling over a whistling, blazing fireball that swept southern Siberia in February 1984, leaving no trace. A theory links increased meteorite and fireball activity to the approach of Halley's Comet.

Marfa's mysterious Lights must be seen to be believed

This POST, Houston, TX, article from April 5, 1985, by Dennis Stacy, explores the Marfa Lights in West Texas. It describes sightings by a Veterans' Motor Car Club and discusses various theories, including car headlights, atmospheric refractions, and piezoelectricity. The article notes the lights have been reported for over 100 years and have been photographed and videotaped.

'Big, black and moving'

A report from PAPER & CITY UNKNOWN, MT, dated June 10, 1985, by Cal Hubbard, details Texans reporting a "Bigfoot" sighting near Kalispell. Three unemployed carpenters described a large, ape-like creature crossing the Flathead River. The sheriff's office was reportedly skeptical, but the report notes that descriptions of Bigfoot vary and have been reported in many locations.

Computer hookups to share mysteries

This PRESS HERALD, Portland, ME, article from July 8, 1985, by Betsy White, discusses Loren Coleman's use of computers to track unexplained phenomena like phantom trains, sea monsters, and UFOs. Coleman, director of the Institute of Fortean Studies, uses a Macintosh computer and expects hundreds to join a network. He emphasizes a scientific approach with skepticism and willingness to analyze sightings. His upcoming book, "Curious Encounters," covers phenomena like urban creatures and phantom trains, with a focus on timing and statistical analysis of events.

'Champ' Resolution

A FREE PRESS, Burlington, VT, article from July 5, 1985, by J. Zarzynski, discusses the ongoing debate about "Champ," the alleged creature in Lake Champlain. It highlights the importance of protecting the phenomenon and encouraging scientific inquiry. The article urges Vermonters to contact their senators to support the "Champ resolution."

Stalking the serpentine Champ

This SUNDAY RECORD, Troy, NY, article from May 12, 1985, by Heidi Legenbauer, profiles Joseph W. Zarzynski, a cryptozoologist and author of "Champ: Beyond the Legend." Zarzynski has spent 11 years researching Champ and has made numerous trips to Lake Champlain. He discusses his methods, including sonar monitoring, and the various theories about Champ's identity, such as plesiosaurs or zeuglodons. The article also mentions his involvement with other cryptozoologists and his research into other lake monsters.

Abominable Snowman Exists, Says China Official

A JOURNAL, Albuquerque, NM, report from June ?, 1985, by Anthony Barker, details Chinese officials' belief in the existence of the yeti, or "abominable snowman." Trade official Guo Shenbao claims two yetis were captured in 1979 and an earlier encounter in the 1950s. The article notes the lack of conclusive scientific evidence but presents Guo's conviction.

Scientists Plan African Hunt For a Dinosaur

A CHRONICLE, San Francisco, CA, article from July 8, 1985, by Robert Engelman, describes a plan by scientists to hunt for a living dinosaur, the "Mokele-Mbembe," in Africa. Biochemist Roy Mackal is quoted on the expedition's goals and equipment. The article also mentions a planned expedition to hunt for a monster octopus off the Bahamas.

'Crazy' inventor of generator may not be so crazy after all

This article from the WASHINGTON POST, dated April 5, 1985, by Robert Engelman, discusses Joe Newman's invention of an energy generator that he claims produces more energy than it consumes. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has refused to grant him a patent, deeming it impossible. However, physicists and engineers have written affidavits supporting Newman's claims, and investors are helping him. The article explores the skepticism from the scientific establishment and Newman's determination to secure a patent.

Sea Creature May Be Real

A BERKSHIRE EAGLE, Pittsfield, MA, report from May 13, 1985, discusses recent reports of a large creature in Lake Erie. Biology professor Andrew White suggests the accounts cannot be dismissed lightly. Roy Mackal theorizes it could be a sea snake that entered the lake via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Terror tracks down a farmer

A SUNDAY EXPRESS, London, England, report from June 9, 1985, by D. Speed, details a farmer in Brescia, Italy, who found four enormous footprints resembling a chicken's footprint. The area was covered in a grey powder, and experts were called to investigate.

If an 8-foot bear says 'Go!' what's a poor couple to do?

A UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL report from GREENWATER, Wash., dated July 8, 1985, describes a couple who claimed a bear-like animal attacked their campsite and "ordered" them off the property. The animal was described as 8 feet tall, ugly, and smelly. Sheriff's deputies investigated but found no signs of a struggle, suggesting it might have been a bear.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, lake monsters, cryptids like Bigfoot and the Yeti, and mysterious aerial or ground-based events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific scrutiny. There's a clear interest in documenting and sharing these phenomena, with a focus on eyewitness testimony and the challenges of scientific validation.