UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 11 - no 208

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated November 1986, features a cover story titled "A Harmless Imagination Takes Off With UFOs" by Denis Horgan, alongside a report on a "Mystery jet photographed before crash" by James Hart. The publication is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke.

Mystery Jet Photographed Before Crash

James Hart's article details the account of Andy Hoyt, an unemployed carpenter from Redondo Beach, who claims to have witnessed and photographed the crash of a secret aircraft, possibly the F-19 stealth fighter, in the Sequoia National Forest near Bakersfield. Hoyt states he saw three red lights in an upside-down triangle formation before the aircraft plummeted and exploded. He alleges that the Air Force confiscated his photographs and has been uncooperative regarding the incident. Despite official silence, defense experts suggest Hoyt's description aligns with educated guesses about the F-19's configuration. The article also mentions that Hoyt's sister and nephew also saw the plane, but declined to comment. The military has reportedly sealed off the crash site.

A Harmless Imagination Takes Off With UFOs

Denis Horgan's profile piece focuses on Dante Vaghi of Bethel, Connecticut, a man who has dedicated over 35 years to the study and promotion of UFOs. Vaghi's enthusiasm stems from a childhood sighting of a mysterious craft. He actively seeks to communicate with extraterrestrials, placing ads and displaying signs. Despite facing ridicule, Vaghi remains cheerful and resolute in his belief. The article describes him as a genial, energetic man, whose neighbors greet him with affection. Vaghi shares his thoughts on the nature of space visitors, believing them to be advanced, peaceful beings, possibly from Mars or elsewhere. He expresses frustration with authorities' lack of engagement with UFO reports, noting that the Air Force is "out of the UFO business." Vaghi hopes for future contact and believes that paying attention to nature could lead to greater understanding.

Other Reports and Articles

Light, 'boom' may have been firework (SUN, Winchester, KY - Aug. 14, 1986): This article discusses a mysterious light and boom reported by residents in Clark County, Kentucky. An anonymous caller claimed to have fired a powerful rocket-type firework, which could explain the phenomena. Sheriff Gary Lawson is investigating, but the incident remains partly a mystery, with speculation including meteors and satellite debris.

Police study ash for blast, flash clues (SUN, Winchester, KY - Aug. 15, 1986): Following the mysterious light and boom, a fine white ash found on a car in Clark County is being investigated. Scientists from Oak Ridge laboratories have requested samples for testing, speculating it might be from a meteorite. The sheriff's department is also investigating a phone call from a man claiming to have set off a firework.

Blow the whistle on UFO disinformation (JOURNAL, Alexandria, VA - Oct. 21, 1986): Larry W. Bryant, in a letter to the editor, criticizes the media and government for perpetuating disinformation regarding UFOs, citing the Roswell Incident as a prime example. He urges others to expose and counter official policies that deceive the public about the true nature of the UFO problem.

Fawcett Proposes UFO Museum (TIMES-NEWS, Lincolnton, NC - Oct. 27, 1986): George Fawcett, a civilian UFO investigator, proposes the establishment of a UFO museum to serve as an archive, education center, and reporting center. He claims to have a collection of over 14,000 UFO-related items gathered over four decades.

UFO spotted in Lower Valley sky (HERALD-REPUBLIC, Yakima, WA - Sept. 5, 1986): This report details sightings of an unexplained glowing object by witnesses in the Lower Valley, including police officers. The object was described as large, moving slowly, and changing colors, last seen near Prosser.

Encounters with UFOs unforgettable (BEE, Modesto, CA - Oct. 12, 1986): Martha Freeman interviews individuals who have had lifelong interests in UFOs due to childhood or early adult sightings. The article mentions a symposium sponsored by MUFON, featuring speakers like Richard Haines, a NASA research scientist, who believes something unexplained is occurring.

Post-Crescent story for 'Enquiring minds' (POST-CRESCENT, Appleton, WI - Sept. ?, 1986): Judie Woolcott and Bonnie Meyer, who claim to have been abducted by aliens, have attracted attention from the National Enquirer. They report being hypnotized and having multiple encounters, with one contact allegedly being "the head of 16 planets."

WATCHING THE PARADE (NEW ERA, Hopkinsville, KY - Sept. 11, 1986): Joe Dorris reflects on the enduring nature of the Kelly, KY UFO incident from 1955. Marian J. Anderson, a visitor from Wisconsin, remains convinced of the event's reality after visiting the scene and conducting research.

'Flying saucers' captured the world's imagination in the 1950s (FREE PRESS, Detroit, MI - Sept. 7, 1986): Susan Ager's article explores the decline in UFO interest and sightings since the 1950s. It features personal accounts, including Marie and Walter's nine UFO sightings and Marie's alleged abduction experience. The article also touches on the history of UFOlogy, government investigations, and the scientific community's skepticism, while acknowledging the persistence of the phenomenon.

UFO tales aplenty at confab (UNION DEMOCRAT, Sonora, CA - Oct. 13, 1986): This report covers a UFO symposium where attendees shared personal experiences of sightings and abductions. Speakers included Mekiel Israel, Martha Throne, and Jerry Warden, who recounted encounters with UFOs and alleged alien beings.

Lots of questions, but few hard facts (UNION DEMOCRAT, Sonora, CA - Oct. 13, 1986): This article from the same symposium discusses the ongoing debate about the existence and origin of UFOs. Speakers like John Dunlap and Tom Gates emphasize the need to investigate rather than question the existence of UFOs, noting increased public acceptance. Walter H. Andrus of MUFON presents a case of people being burned by a craft's propulsion system.

Coming Soon To A Neighborhood Near You! (SOUTH HILLS PATRIOT, Pittsburgh, PA - Sept. 1986): Rose Angotti reports on a surge of UFO sightings in Western Pennsylvania, with Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) noting an increase in reports globally. The article mentions a landing incident near New Stanton, leaving a circle of burnt grass, and the analysis of "space grass" samples. PASU is a research group tracking UFO reports and physical trails.

No clue as yet to mysterious red light (DAILY HOME, Talladega, AL - Nov. 12, 1986): Authorities in several states searched for remnants of a red-glowing light with a tail seen across the sky, likely a meteor. No fragments were found, despite numerous reports and searches in areas where sightings occurred.

UFO spotted in the foothills (NEWS, Greenville, SC - Nov. 5, 1986): Dot Robertson profiles an artist who drew a domed saucer-shaped object he saw hovering off the coast of Florida. The article discusses John Timmerman of the Center for UFO Studies and his traveling exhibit, as well as the historical context of UFO sightings since the 1940s, including the concept of "close encounters of the third kind."

U.F.O. Society (WHIDBEY ISLAND RECORD, Langley, WA - Oct. 21, 1986): Rev. Bob LeRoy has created the National U.F.O. Society, with the first meeting announced for November 2nd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overall stance of the publication appears to be one of open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and research findings without overt skepticism, while acknowledging the existence of debunkers and scientific doubt. Recurring themes include: the persistence of UFO sightings despite declining public interest, the challenges of UFO research and evidence collection, the potential for government cover-ups or disinformation, and the personal impact of UFO experiences on individuals. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that something unexplained is occurring, whether extraterrestrial or otherwise, and encourages continued exploration of the subject.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from August 24, 1986, published by the SUNDAY TIMES in Australia, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, mysterious creatures, and historical enigmas. The cover prominently features young students discussing the 'face on Mars' discovery, posing questions about its significance.

Our Young Mars Probers Say Yes

The lead story highlights students at Sutherland Primary School in Australia who, during an archeology lesson, developed theories about the 'face on Mars' discovery. They questioned the NASA scientists' qualifications and the media's coverage, concluding that the discovery of the face and pyramids on Mars is a message for Earthlings. Theories ranged from past Martian inhabitants to warnings about power and self-destruction. Students like Janelle Craig, Kelly Gray, Ian Finkelstein, Peter White, Nicole Sully, Natasha Hyde, Ryan English, and Anthony Fisher shared their perspectives, with Norman Peovitis expressing skepticism about evidence of a holocaust.

Some Stellar Close Encounters

This section presents several anecdotal accounts of paranormal or unusual experiences:

• The Krankies UFO: Comedians Janette and Ian Tough reported seeing a 'strange white object' hovering above their chartered aircraft in 1978, causing instruments to malfunction before vanishing.
• Tommy Steele's Meningitis Recovery: Entertainer Tommy Steele recounted an experience at age 15, where he heard a child's laughter and saw a brightly colored ball during a severe bout of meningitis, which he believes was his deceased younger brother, Rodney, helping him recover.
• "Beyond Explanation?" Book: This segment reviews a book by Jenny Randles, director of investigations for the British UFO Research Association, which compiles paranormal experiences of celebrities, including UFO sightings, past lives, and ghostly encounters. The book aims to validate such experiences and provide a 'mental fillip' to those who have encountered the unexplained.

Local UFO Reports and Investigations

Several local news outlets report on UFO sightings:

• North Cheshire Herald (England): Georgina Mills, an investigator for the Tameside area of the Manchester Unidentified Flying Object Research Association, appeals for readers to report any UFO sightings.
• Evening Telegraph (Scunthorpe, England): Reports of flashing lights in the sky in the Scunthorpe area are investigated, with Les Sallis of the British UFO Research Association suggesting a laser display from a Hull hotel as a possible explanation for most sightings, while dismissing a teenager's chip-related incident.
• Evening Telegraph (Scunthorpe, England): The British UFO Research Association is investigating a motionless flashing object sighted in Scunthorpe's northern skies, noting it was spotted just after midnight and remained in the same place for about 10 minutes.
• Rhyl & Prestatyn Visitor (Wales): Mr. James Perry reported seeing a large, rectangular object with flashing lights moving slowly across the sky above Rhyl. Mrs. Margaret Fry of Contact International expressed interest in hearing from other witnesses.
• Herald & Pioneer (England): Fourteen-year-old Kingsley Wiggin claims to have seen a brightly glowing unidentified flying object hovering over Skipton's Rockwood estate.
• Weekly Express (England): A village near Daventry is described as a UFO 'focus' with six eyewitnesses reporting unexplained objects heading towards Preston Capes or hovering over the village. Daphne and Edward Underhill described seeing a huge, glowing UFO with an orange or red look.
• Sandwell Mail (England): UFO experts are investigating reports of an unidentified flying object hovering over Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, described as a 400ft long by 60 ft wide cigar-shaped object seen by hospital staff.

Australia's Greatest Aviation Mystery Remains Unsolved

This article revisits the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich over Bass Strait on October 21, 1978. The case is considered Australia's greatest aviation mystery, with Valentich reporting an unidentified flying object before his transmission was interrupted by a mysterious sound. The Victorian UFO Research Society is investigating, noting over fifty reported observations of UFOs in the area around the time of the disappearance. The article also mentions similar incidents, including a radar detection of a UFO near Soo Locks, Michigan, and an encounter with a helicopter crew in Ohio.

Was It a Flying Saucer?

This section compiles several reports:

• Forest Row, England: Mrs. Penny Crowder reported seeing a glowing orange ball with a pale orange aura move across the sky. Similar sightings of 'ball-shaped objects' have occurred over Ashdown Forest.
• Nottingham, England: The "Central Weekend" program is set to feature people who believe the planet is being visited by intelligently-controlled spacecraft, including former Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill Norton.
• Aberystwyth, Wales: A story recounts a 'ghost of Xmas past - or a UFO' sighting from the late 1950s, where a 'Christmas bell-shaped object' with green and red lights was seen hovering above a pub.
• East Grinstead, England: A letter from Mrs. E. Abendanon describes seeing an orange bright light like an enormous star near Forest Row about a month prior.

The Lake Top Ten Monsters of the World

This article presents a map and brief descriptions of ten famous lake monsters from around the globe, including Slimy Slim (Idaho), Chessie (Maryland), Pooka (Ireland), Champ (New York), Nessie (Scotland), Hvaler Serpent (Norway), Congo Dragon (Africa), Lake Labynkvy Monster (U.S.S.R.), Waitoreke (New Zealand), and an unnamed monster from Chile. It notes that these creatures have moved from being considered hoaxes to unexplained phenomena.

'Plumes' Over Soviet Isles Continue to Baffle Experts

This report discusses mysterious, large icy clouds resembling volcanic plumes that have appeared over Soviet islands, particularly Novaya Zemlya, baffling experts. These clouds dissipate quickly and their cause remains unexplained, with speculation ranging from nuclear weapons tests to 'nuclear winter' hypotheses. NOAA scientists are puzzled as there is no volcanic activity in the region.

Probe Into Sisters Mystery

This short piece mentions the 40-year-old file on the disappearance of two teenage sisters, Debbie and Jackie Walker, in 1985 off Filey beach, North Yorkshire, and the disappearance of two men under similar circumstances. Police are examining the case, which has sparked suggestions of a 'Bermuda Triangle' phenomenon.

There's a Kernel of Truth to Falling-Corn Stories

This brief report from Evans, Colorado, details how three homeowners have experienced corn kernels falling sporadically from the sky onto their properties for the past four years, with no obvious explanation.

Big Foot: Facts About Creature Walk in Shadow of Legend

This extensive article explores the phenomenon of Bigfoot (Sasquatch) sightings, particularly focusing on reports from Utah. It details accounts from individuals like Jay Barker, Larry Beeson, Ryan Layton, and Larry Darley, who claim to have seen or heard the creature. Professor Grover Krantz of Washington State University is interviewed, discussing his belief in Bigfoot, his scientific classification of the creature as Gigantopithecus blacki, and the evidence supporting its existence, including footprints and hair samples. The article also touches on the difficulty of finding physical evidence like a body and the skepticism surrounding such claims.

Geologists Burst Rockwall's Bubble

This short piece discusses the mystery of the Rockwall in Rockwall County, Texas. R.F. Canup believed it was man-made masonry from an ancient city, but geologists maintain it is a natural formation.

Skeptic Now a... Bigfoot Believer

This article recounts how a Winnipeg man, initially a skeptic, became a believer in Bigfoot after a close encounter on Highway 59. Bill Mason, Manitoba regional director of the Michigan-Canadian Bigfoot Information Centre, shares the account and discusses his own plans for Bigfoot investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and cryptids like Bigfoot and lake monsters. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and investigations with a degree of seriousness, encouraging readers to report their own experiences, and exploring the possibility of unexplained events. While acknowledging that many sightings can be explained, the magazine highlights cases that defy easy rationalization, often quoting experts and witnesses who believe in the reality of these phenomena. There's a clear interest in documenting and disseminating reports of the unusual and the mysterious from around the world.