UFO Newsclipping Service - 1985 08 - no 193

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1985, presents a collection of articles and reports detailing UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related phenomena from various locations. The publication aims to document and investigate these events, featuring witness testimonies, researcher insights, and discussions on the nature of UFOs.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

California Sighting

The "Daily Journal" from Ukiah, CA, reports on a sighting by three youngsters camping in Redwood Valley. Jessica and Shawn White, along with their friend Debbie Crumrine, described a flying "ball of fire" that appeared around 1 a.m. The object was described as red on the outside and blueish-green on the inside, pausing, circling their yard, and then disappearing southwest. The children reported the air felt warmer during the incident. Local authorities and the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle had not received similar reports.

Minnesota Lights

The "Times" from Norwood, MN, covers a story about two local women, Susan and Ruth Lehrke, who reported seeing mysterious blinking lights in the sky on April 25 and April 27. The lights, described as red, blue, green, and orange, formed circles and hovered. They reappeared after an airplane approached. While some suggested sunspots or Northern Lights, the women were not satisfied with these explanations.

Florida Laser Show Misidentification

The "News-Chief" from Winter Haven, FL, reports on residents who claimed to see UFOs, described as bright white streaks or cigar-shaped crafts. These sightings, occurring on June 24, were later identified as part of a laser show in Tampa. Witnesses like Tom Adams and Verna Feeman described the objects' appearance and movement, with Adams comparing one to the craft in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Australian Sightings

Two articles from Australian publications detail further sightings. The "NEWS" from Adelaide reports on Robert Dix, a security guard who claims he scared off a "huge and very bright" saucer-shaped object with his flashlight. The "SUN" from Sydney describes hundreds of reports of a mysterious bright light hovering over Sydney on June 19, which lasted about 15 seconds. Observers described it as a large, bright, round object with steam coming off it, or a yellow-green light.

Tasmanian Activity

The "Derwent Valley Gazette" from New Norfolk, Tasmania, highlights two UFO cases from May 1985. Don Ives reported seeing a UFO the size of a small plane with port holes and colored lights in the Fingal Valley. A Brighton woman reported seeing three lights for about three hours, one of which turned red and illuminated her bedroom. TUFOIC, the Tasmanian Unidentified Flying Objects Centre, is investigating.

South African UFO

The "NEWS & RECORD" from Greensboro, NC, reports on a UFO spotted in Zimbabwe near the South African border. The object, described as orange, rounded, with wings, outclimbed two air force jets sent to investigate.

English Crop Circles and Sightings

Several articles from English publications discuss crop circles and UFO sightings. The "GUARDIAN" from Worthing reports on mysterious circles found in a cornfield at Tollmere Farm, leading to speculation about UFOs or whirlwinds. Lecturer Mike Skinner denies the circles were part of a treasure hunt. The "HASTINGS EVENING ARGUS" features Charles Walker, who claims the crop circles could be made by visitors from space, citing previous sightings of lights and a disc-shaped object in the area. The "WEST SUSSEX CO. TIMES" also discusses the crop circles, with Jeremy Fisher convinced they were made by alien visitors, recalling a similar sighting from 20 years prior. Jean Monger also reported seeing a cigar-shaped UFO with green and red lights. The "BATH & WILTS CHRONICLE" reports on a RAAF spokesman dismissing UFO sightings, contrasting with a woman who claimed to have reported a UFO to the Laverton base years ago.

UFO Riddle Over City

The "EVENING CHRONICLE" from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne reports that scores of Tynesiders claimed to see a UFO over Newcastle, with some reporting their cars being "buzzed" by a strange craft. While a meteorologist suggested sparks from the Metro as a possible explanation, the UFO remained a mystery.

Ohio UFO Investigation

The "HERALD-STANDARD" from Uniontown, PA, discusses the work of the Phenomena Research Organization (PRO) in London, Ohio, which investigates UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena. Larry Tillman, a PRO coordinator, showed evidence of Bigfoot hair and a strange figure he calls a "devil."

UFO Theory on Mystery Circles

The "WEST SUSSEX CO. TIMES" reiterates the mystery of crop circles, with Jeremy Fisher convinced they were made by alien visitors. Carol Fisher, his wife, claims psychic abilities and intends to analyze corn samples from the circles.

Taiwan UFOs

The "MAINICHI DAILY NEWS" from Tokyo reports on unidentified flying objects sighted by residents in Nantou, Taiwan. The shining objects were seen in the northern sky, with some moving slowly and others westwards.

Key Persons and Organizations

This issue mentions several key individuals and organizations involved in UFO research and reporting. Leonard Sturm, Illinois director for MUFON, is featured discussing his involvement and the challenges of UFO research. Shirley Fox, area director of MUFON, emphasizes the reality of the phenomenon. Wayne Aho, a World War II veteran, speaks about his belief in extraterrestrial encounters. Lt. George Lesnick retired from the Fairfield Police Department to focus on his UFO research. Organizations like MUFON, APRO, and TUFOIC are highlighted for their roles in collecting and investigating UFO reports. Various witnesses, including children and adults from different locations, share their experiences.

UFO Characteristics and Themes

Reported UFO characteristics include various shapes (saucer, cigar, eliptical, V-shaped), colors (red, blue, green, orange, white), and behaviors (hovering, circling, accelerating). Some accounts mention physical trace evidence like scorched ground or flattened crops, while others describe electromagnetic effects like warmth. The recurring themes include government secrecy surrounding UFOs, the possibility of alien abductions, the mystery of crop circles, and the ongoing scientific and civilian efforts to understand these phenomena. The issue also touches upon the skepticism faced by witnesses and the potential for misidentification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, the efforts of civilian organizations like MUFON to document and research these events, and the skepticism often faced by witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and perspectives without necessarily endorsing them as definitively extraterrestrial, while also highlighting the dedication of researchers and the enduring mystery surrounding UFOs. The publication seems to advocate for continued investigation and a willingness to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of the magazine, dated May 22, 1985, features a prominent cover story about a UFO sighting over Werribee South, Australia, by Peter Jackson. The issue also includes reports on UFO incidents in Iran and China, as well as articles on cryptozoology, archaeology, and historical mysteries.

UFO Sightings

Werribee South, Australia: Peter Jackson reported seeing an enormous, cigar-shaped, bright yellow object about 1000 feet up on May 22, 1985. He described it as being like things seen on television but brighter. Despite initial disbelief from colleagues, he intended to report the sighting to the RAAF base.

Northeastern Tehran, Iran: On August 7, 1985, Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency reported that antiaircraft batteries opened fire on an unidentified flying object that shone over the city. The object's identity was not confirmed, with some reports suggesting it might be a satellite.

Peking, China: A Chinese jumbo jet captain claimed a UFO shadowed his plane briefly on a recent flight from Peking. The object, described as a walnut-sized yellow light, disappeared as the captain began an emergency landing. The incident occurred on June 11, 1985.

Zimbabwe: Air Force Chief Azim Daudpota reported that Zimbabwean jet fighters failed to catch a speedy unidentified flying object (UFO) that easily out-climbed them over Bulawayo. The object was seen by scores of people and visually confirmed by pilots.

• Italy:
• Piancavallo: On April 14, 1985, two young people, Roberto C. and Manuela D., reported a close encounter with two creatures wearing silver-grey overalls, approximately 1.70 meters tall, near Piancavallo.
• Porcia di Pordenone: On May 17, 1985, a 15-year-old boy and his mother sighted an oval-shaped, light green unidentified flying object. The same object was reportedly seen in Magenta, near Milan, after three-quarters of an hour by Alfredo Rossi and his wife.

• United Kingdom:
• Winsford, Cheshire: Eric Morris, who has a history of UFO sightings, hopes to form a new group in Cheshire to investigate sightings in the North West, which he considers a good place for them.
• Market Rasen, Lincolnshire: A group is being formed to chart sightings of unidentified flying objects in the county, following a sighting by two schoolboys in March 1979.
• Heaton Norris, Stockport: Five people, including Cheryl Kilcoyne, claimed to have seen a silver sphere in the evening sky for six minutes on June 27, 1985. They described it as moving, swooping, and climbing.

• Sweden:
• Uppland Region: A woman driver reported seeing a bright light in the air that appeared larger than an ordinary helicopter, with three lighted windows and a blindingly strong white light. It was cigar-shaped and grey on the underside.
• Sandsjo: On July 2, 1985, Mr. Nils Lord and his wife observed a bright white object over the treeline, described as a big ball, silent, and moving slowly. They could not find an astronomical explanation.

Cryptozoology

Ogopogo, Lake Okanagan, Canada: The legendary lake monster, Ogopogo, is featured with new photographs taken by Wafil Bierowsky. Marine scientist Paul Leblond considers them among the best ever, though not conclusive evidence. An expedition is planned to search for the creature. Local expert Arlene Gaal believes Ogopogo is not a spirit but a group of freshwater dinosaurs called plesiosaurs. The article notes that while sightings are frequent, no definitive proof exists, and the legend is tied to the local economy.

Champ, Lake Champlain Monster: The article discusses the ongoing legend of Champ, the Lake Champlain Monster. It mentions over 240 sightings since 1609 and a recent claim of a 20-second videotape. Joe Zarzynski, a researcher, believes there may be a colony of 10 to 15 Champs. Resolutions from New York and Vermont legislatures acknowledge the existence of Champ-like creatures and encourage scientific study.

Sausalito Hum: A mysterious underwater hum in Sausalito, California, has been plaguing houseboat residents for years. Described as a loud, mechanical raspy hum, its source is unknown, though investigations have involved acoustical engineers and the Navy. Similar hums have been reported in other bays near San Francisco and near Seattle.

Archaeology and History

Lost City in Peru: Explorer Gene Savoy claims to have found an ancient pre-Columbian metropolis covering 120 square miles in the jungle-cloaked mountains of northeastern Peru, named Gran Vilaya. He described it as the most extensive ancient civilization found so far in the Americas, with over 80 interconnected city-type layouts and thousands of structures.

Pyramids of Egypt: Anatoly Vasilyev, a Moscow researcher, proposes a theory that the great pyramids of Egypt were built around natural rock cores. He suggests that the internal cavities and passages were part of the construction process and later became false entrances or exits. He believes the pharaoh's mummy and treasures are still hidden within the pyramids.

Heavener Runestone, Oklahoma: The article discusses the mystery of the Heavener Runestone, an inscription of Norse runes found in Oklahoma. Gloria Farley, a long-time researcher, believes it indicates Viking presence around 1000 AD. However, many archaeologists and geologists consider it a hoax or a 19th-century carving, citing a lack of supporting Viking artifacts in the area.

Glen Rose Mantracks: Studies published in the journal Creation/Evolution challenge the creationist claim that human footprints lie alongside dinosaur tracks at Glen Rose, Texas. Scientists present data, including stride lengths and toe marks, suggesting that the elongated indentations were made by dinosaurs, not humans, and do not confound geological dating.

Other Items

Talking Bear: Pierce County Sheriff's Office Deputy Bob Hoffman has closed the case of a talking, rock-throwing bear in Greenwater, Washington, concluding it was a result of "overactive imaginations" and community warnings about private property and fire danger.

Multicolored Threads from Eye: A 10-year-old schoolboy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who baffled doctors by pulling out multicolored threads from his eye, has been discharged from the hospital.

Asbestos Fine: The Burlington School Department in Vermont was fined $1,000 for not notifying parents and teachers about the use of asbestos to insulate school steampipes and boilers, though no danger was said to exist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from UFO sightings and legendary creatures to ancient mysteries and archaeological enigmas. There is a clear interest in presenting diverse perspectives, including witness accounts, scientific investigations, and skeptical analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for evidence and critical evaluation. The inclusion of reports from various international sources suggests a global perspective on these topics.