UFO Newsclipping Service - 1987 03 - no 212

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, identified as number 212 and dated March 1987, is a compilation of news articles and letters concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The service is published by U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE from Plummerville, Arkansas, with Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke serving as co-editors.

The cover headline, "Latest news flash from outer space," sets the tone for the issue, which explores recent sightings, public perception shifts, and ongoing investigations into UFOs.

Cover Story: 'Latest news flash from outer space'

An article by Mary E. Forgione discusses the evolving public perception of extraterrestrials, moving from the 'cold war era' portrayal of threatening invaders to the more recent depiction of 'cute, cuddly' beings, as seen in films like 'E.T.'. The article introduces Alfredo Uchoa, a retired Brazilian Air Force general who claims regular meetings with small humanoids who warn of nuclear war. It also features 'California UFO', a new 44-page magazine founded by Vicki Cooper and Sherie Stark, which aims to provide a forum for various UFO stories without necessarily selling the concept that UFOs exist. Cooper and Stark, both journalists, acknowledge the difficulty in pleasing both 'investigator' and 'psychic/spiritual' camps of readers. The magazine includes articles on UFO theories, such as those from Atlantis or the Hollow Earth Hypothesis, and provides information on how to report sightings. The magazine has reportedly sold out multiple times in Los Angeles bookstores.

UFOs Not Just Imaginary

This letter to the editor from James R. Leming in Enterprise, Mill Creek, WA, expresses heartenedness at the increased publicity for UFOs. Leming criticizes the reliance on 'official' agency support for sightings, recalling incidents in 1975 and 1979 involving overflights of ballistic missile silos in Montana. He claims agencies actively work to create grief for investigative bodies and states his family was threatened while living in Great Falls, Montana, and he was banned from Malmstrom Air Force Base for asking questions.

UFO News is More Believable Than You Think

This article from the REVIEW, Lake Oswego, OR, discusses Leo V. Bartsch, a resident of Coos Bay who publishes a newsletter called 'UFO News'. Bartsch compiles newspaper clippings and his own comments on UFOs. The article highlights pilot sightings, UFOs surrounding planes in Brazil, and FAA probes into UFO sightings. The author expresses belief in Bartsch's claims, particularly regarding airline pilots being credible witnesses due to potential professional repercussions for reporting UFOs. Bartsch suggests that over 3,000 UFO reports by airline pilots have been investigated by the FAA, and he believes a 'great UFO cover-up is falling apart'.

Group Meets at Hamilton Library to Discuss Close Encounters of the Unidentified Kind

This article by Michael Koy from the HAMILTON OBSERVER, Trenton, NJ, reports on a meeting of the Central New Jersey-Pennsylvania UFO Study Group at the Hamilton Public Library. Ward C. Campbell, a UFO investigator and former Coast Guard skipper, shared his personal sighting experience from May 25, 1952, where he witnessed a 'defined light' that exhibited unusual behavior and appeared as a circular, discus shape. Campbell, an engineer, became interested in UFOs after this experience and has since investigated numerous cases. He recounts receiving a restrictive Air Force intelligence report (AFR200-2) on UFO identification and observation, which he believes indicates government knowledge beyond public admission. Campbell notes the termination of Project Blue Book and the subsequent decrease in reporting, attributing it partly to government debunking campaigns and media slowdowns. He also mentions that airline personnel may carry 'confidential information' on UFO reporting. The article also references books published on UFO topics and artist renderings of humanoid figures and UFOs.

Scientific Inquiry Persists in UFO Phenomenon

By Michael Koy, this article from the HAMILTON OBSERVER, Trenton, NJ, continues the discussion on UFO investigations. It notes that since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, thousands of incidents have been reported by various credible witnesses. The article mentions the Barney and Betty Hill abduction as a well-known case of close encounters. It touches upon theories of UFO origins, including extraterrestrial intelligence and other dimensions. Scientific inquiry is carried out by organizations like NICAP, APRO, and MUFON. Ward C. Campbell's investigation into close sightings in south Jersey is detailed, including an incident in Heislerville, NJ, in 1982, where witnesses saw a bright light that later appeared as a delta-shaped craft with amber lights and humanoid figures within an appendage.

UFO Report No Surprise to Longtime Believer

This article by Peter Lewis from the TIMES, Seattle, WA, features Wayne Aho, a Tacoma resident and founder of the New Age Foundation Inc., who calls himself 'Mr. UFO'. Aho expresses excitement about recent reports of UFO sightings, such as the Japan Air Lines (JAL) pilot's encounter over Alaska. He predicts 'kill stories' that will cast doubt on the sighting's authenticity. Aho, who claims to have seen UFOs nine times, believes the National Security Council suppresses UFO sightings due to potential economic and political upheaval. He cites Gallup Poll data indicating millions of Americans have reported seeing UFOs. Aho's interest began in 1957, and he believes UFOs are from a superior civilization warning humanity about its dangers. He also mentions a Soviet airliner crew's sighting in 1985.

Gleason Girls Report UFO

A brief report from the JOURNAL, Antigo, WI, details a UFO sighting by three sisters in Gleason, WI, who described a large, round object that changed color and emitted sparks.

Believes In UFOs

This article by Rick Murray from the PRESS, Atlantic City, NJ, profiles Robert Barry, a television personality and UFO lecturer. Barry claims inside government sources and supportive documentation, stating that the Anchorage UFO sighting was one of several. He alleges that the U.S. government had 'cadavers in the deep freeze' and that earth averages 'one close encounter of the third kind daily worldwide' since 1978. Barry's past involvement with the 20th-Century UFO Bureau and its conferences is mentioned.

Couple Publish UFO Magazine

This article from the HARBOUR SUN, Seal Beach, CA, introduces Vicky Cooper and Sherie Stark, co-creators of the bi-monthly magazine 'California UFO'. They aim to provide an open forum for UFO stories and theories. The magazine's content includes reports from Brazil, close encounters, and UFO art. They discuss challenges in distribution and their goal of worldwide reach. The article also mentions their previous work together for the Century City News.

'UFO' Is Only Ultralight Aircraft - Again

This article from the TIMES, Mamaroneck, NY, reports on a sighting of lights over Westchester's sky that residents believed to be a UFO. Police and airport officials attributed the sightings to pilots flying ultralight aircraft from Dutchess County. However, witnesses like William Bossio and Laura Rauhofer remained unconvinced, citing the unusual formation and lack of standard aviation lights.

That's Not Incredible

By Eva Kinsey Powell from the NEWS PRESS, Ft. Myers, FL, this article discusses a California-based UFO hotline and the efforts of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in Southwest Florida to investigate sightings. Everett Walter of MUFON states that most UFO reports (about 80%) have terrestrial explanations, but some defy them. Shirley Fox, a field investigator, notes that common misidentifications include stars, birds, and reflections. The article mentions that 15 legitimate sightings were investigated in Southwest Florida in 1986. It highlights that sightings often occur near power plants and dams, and that fear of ridicule prevents many from reporting.

Is the Government Suppressing the Truth About UFO Sightings?

This letter to the editor from Robert S. Camburn in Glenside, PA, questions the government's honesty regarding UFO sightings. It references Kenneth Arnold's initial sighting and his claim of 'flying saucers' traveling at high speeds. The letter also mentions Clyde Tombaugh's UFO observations and cites books like 'Clear Intent' by Fawcett and Greenwood as evidence of government distortion and suppression.

Don't Scoff at UFOs

Darcy G. Richardson of Melrose Park writes in the TIMES CHRONICLE, Jenkintown, PA, defending the reality of UFOs, particularly in light of the Japan Air Lines (JAL) sighting over Alaska. Richardson emphasizes the size of the object described by Capt. Kenju Terauchi and his crew, noting the 'giant walnut' shape and accompanying lights. He points out the unusual nature of the Japanese going public with such information and suggests the technology witnessed was far more advanced than anything on Earth.

Don't Bother the Feds with UFO

This article by Ed Hamilton from the UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON NEWS BUREAU reports that the FAA does not take UFO reports unless they involve an aircraft. Callers are referred to private organizations like the National UFO Reporting Center and MUFON. The article notes that the government's position has shifted from the active investigation of Project Blue Book to a more skeptical stance, with the project canceled in 1969 due to cost and questionable results. It highlights that private agencies like the National UFO Reporting Center and UFO Information Service International continue to collect and investigate sightings.

UFO Encounters - Pilots Say They're Common

This article by Carolyn Penm from the TRI-VALLEY HERALD, Livermore, CA, discusses the commonality of UFO sightings among pilots. United Airlines pilot Bob Wollow recounts seeing his first UFO over a decade ago and notes that pilots are often hesitant to report sightings due to ridicule. The article mentions that the FAA stopped logging UFO calls around the time the Air Force stopped its investigations. It also references the JAL sighting and speculates that it might have been a misidentification of Jupiter or radar 'clutter'. UFO researcher Richard Haines suggests that many sightings are not conventional aircraft.

Giant Boomerang Was Among Six UFO Reports in State Last Year

This article from the DAILY NEWS, Eden, NC, discusses UFO sightings in North Carolina, citing George Fawcett of Lincolnton, assistant state director for MUFON. Fawcett describes eight significant reports from 1986, including electromagnetic interference and animal reactions. He notes that the JAL sighting over Alaska has renewed interest. The article also mentions a sighting of a boomerang-shaped object and other varied sightings across the state.

Couple Report Seeing UFO Over Area Farm

This article from the OBSERVER NEWS ENTERPRISE, Newton, NC, details UFO sightings in Maiden and Newton. Alan and Karen Cloninger reported seeing unusual lights, which Karen Cloninger described as a large, stationary object the size of a house. Joe Ikerd, owner of Space Age Satellite Systems, reported a similar sighting near Newton, describing an orange object that appeared to descend. George Fawcett investigated Ikerd's sighting and deemed it genuine. Both Ikerd and the Cloninger's son, Adam, believe in extraterrestrial life.

UFO 'Scars' Decline in U.S.

By Matthew Schofield, this article from the STAR, Kansas City, MO, suggests a decline in UFO 'scares' in the U.S. since 1978. Ted Phillips of the Center for UFO Studies notes a lack of 'top quality strangeness'. Thomas H. Nicholl, an aeronautical engineer, believes sightings are still occurring but are not reported as frequently. The article mentions only four UFO sightings reported in Missouri since 1985 and 218 nationwide. Harley Rutledge, a physics professor, states that law enforcement and media are less receptive to UFO reports, leading to fewer sightings being reported. Rutledge, who has seen 161 UFOs, is convinced of their reality.

Maybe

This editorial from the REFLECTOR, Greenville, NC, reflects on recent UFO reports, including the JAL pilot's sighting and eight reports from North Carolina. It notes the varied descriptions of the objects and the persistence of the feeling that some witnesses are experiencing something beyond comprehension. The editorial acknowledges the history of UFO phenomena in America since World War II, the prevalence of hoaxes, and the ongoing debate about the reality of these sightings.

UFO Sightings

This letter to the editor from Terry Hansen in Seattle, WA, argues that the U.S. government is not being forthcoming about UFOs. Hansen cites the Freedom of Information Act as a means to obtain classified documents indicating frequent discussion of UFO sightings within government circles until 1979. He suggests that the government's silence is due to national security concerns, the potential for public panic, and the possibility of malevolent alien intelligence. Hansen also mentions the CIA's covert mass-media 'training and debunking' program initiated in 1953.

Many Unanswered Questions Remain About UFO Incident

This letter to the editor from J.M.B. Crawford in Tacoma, WA, questions the lack of an Air Force scramble to investigate the JAL UFO sighting and asks about other radar reports and international responses. The author also questions the lack of cameras on board the aircraft.

Phyllis' Meanderings

This column by Phyllis Wambold from the RECORDER, Belleville, WI, discusses the aftermath of a UFO sighting by local police officers Glen Kazmar and Jeff Furseth. Wambold highlights the courage it took for them to report their experience and the mixed reactions they received, including positive responses and personal privacy concerns. The column emphasizes the vastness of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, suggesting that future generations may travel through space.

Charles Hickson Reprints His Book on UFO

This article from the SUN-HERALD, Biloxi, MS, reports on the second printing of the book "UFO Contact at Pascagoula" by Charles Hickson and William Mendez. The book details Hickson's alleged encounter with extraterrestrials on October 11, 1973, and subsequent events, including examinations and interviews with UFO experts. It also includes psychological reports and drawings of the craft and creatures. The article mentions that Hickson claims later contact with aliens and that Mendez discusses scientific beliefs about extraterrestrial life and the Betty Hill incident.

Those Flying Saucers Keep Coming Back

By Larry Gedney from the TIMES-DISPATCH, Richmond, VA, this article traces the history of UFO sightings, starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the subsequent 'flying saucer' craze. It discusses the Air Force's Project Blue Book, which concluded most sightings were explainable phenomena, and the controversial Condon Report. The article notes that the subject persists, citing the recent JAL event. Gedney shares a personal anecdote of seeing a weather balloon and expresses skepticism about sensationalized accounts.

The Return of the UFO

This piece by Shelley Rolfe from the TIMES, Cordova, AK, reflects on the public's current 'admirable restraint' regarding UFO reports, contrasting it with the 1950s when sightings led to widespread 'epidemics' of visions. Rolfe notes that the JAL pilot's sighting has not yet led to a surge in other reports. The article touches on the legal status of UFOs and the FAA's investigation of the JAL incident. It also references historical sightings, including Ezekiel's vision and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, and mentions the varied descriptions of UFOs reported over the years. Rolfe concludes by questioning whether intelligent life might have observed Earth and decided there is nothing of interest.

UFO Information Is Available

This report from ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) details the FAA's offer to sell a package of information related to the Japan Air Lines pilot's UFO sighting for $194.30. The package includes interviews, drawings, and radar data. FAA spokesman Paul Steucke explains this is to cope with public interest. The article also mentions Philip J. Klass's conclusion that the pilot likely saw the planet Jupiter, not a UFO, and that other aircraft in the vicinity did not report seeing anything unusual.

Authorities Say UFO No Conventional Aircraft

This article from NEWS, Kenosha, WI, reports on a sighting of shimmering lights by a Belleville police officer and sheriff's officers. An investigator from the Center for UFO Studies stated the lights were not conventional aircraft. The FAA tracked the lights, and Donald Schmitt of the UFO Center is attempting to rule out natural occurrences. The article notes that the FAA operator determined the lights were not caused by conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistence of UFO sightings despite government skepticism and media debunking efforts, the ongoing debate about the reality and origin of UFOs, and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence. There is a clear emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, particularly pilots, and the challenges they face in reporting their experiences. The issue also highlights the role of private organizations and researchers in collecting and analyzing UFO data, contrasting with the perceived lack of official government interest or transparency. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the phenomenon as worthy of investigation, even if definitive proof remains elusive, and suggests that the government may be withholding information for various reasons. The articles collectively suggest that while many sightings can be explained, a persistent number remain unexplained and continue to fuel public fascination and scientific inquiry.

This issue of the EVENING TIMES, dated January 22, 1987, focuses on UFO phenomena, with the cover headline "Mysteries that go blink in the night." The main story details a UFO sighting over Belleville, Wisconsin, and the subsequent investigation.

UFO Search Group Joins Investigation

The lead article reports on the investigation into a UFO sighting by police officer Glen Kazmar and others over Belleville, Wisconsin. Kazmar, while trying to maintain an open mind, described the object as extremely bright and stationary, with flickering red, blue, and white lights. The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), represented by Don Shmitt, has taken on the case, with Sherman Larsen of CUFOS noting that cases are vetted before investigation. Kazmar's sighting was also picked up on radar, and local authorities, including Belleville Police Chief Jack Pace, were involved in fielding calls and assisting Kazmar. The object was reportedly visible from approximately 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Despite various theories, including weather balloons and stars going nova, no definitive explanation was provided.

UFO hunters turn up cold feet

This piece recounts an unsuccessful attempt by TIMES photographer Shari Rampenthal and the author to witness a UFO themselves. They conducted a vigil near Belleville, equipped with cameras and binoculars, but despite their enthusiasm, cloud cover and the absence of any unusual aerial activity led to disappointment. They noted that future attempts might require different strategies, such as better timing or food.

Stone tries to explain mysteries

This article profiles Clifford E. Stone, a U.S. Army sergeant and UFO enthusiast who has been collecting UFO data since childhood. Fueled by his own 'close encounter' in Ohio in 1957, Stone believes the government has more information about UFOs than it reveals, citing CIA documents that suggest UFO studies continued into the 1970s. He advocates for open scientific study of the phenomenon and dismisses the idea of a 'coverup,' preferring to call it 'classified.' Stone categorizes UFO encounters into three types: observation, physical traces, and direct interaction with occupants. He also discusses his military service in Vietnam and his personal life, including his marriage to a Vietnamese woman.

Belleville residents report UFO

This report from The Associated Press details further UFO sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin. Lavonne Freidig and her son reported seeing an object shaped like an airplane fuselage with no wings, which took off silently. Other residents and visitors also reported sightings. The Dane County Sheriff's Department was contacted, and the FAA control tower at Dane County Regional Airport stated they had no reports of unidentified objects on their radar that evening.

Shirley's guru beams to Madison

This article, while not directly about UFOs, features Charles Silva, described as the spiritual guru to actress Shirley MacLaine. Silva, who claims to have met an extraterrestrial in Peru, presented a message blending Christian ethics and 'New Age' mysticism. He also suggested the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement in religious events and government decisions, which generated controversy among his audience.

Investigator rules out natural cause for latest Wisconsin UFO

Don Schmitt, a Wisconsin investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, stated that the strong, shimmering lights seen by a Belleville police officer in January were not caused by any natural phenomenon. He cited corroborating reports from dozens of witnesses, including an entire family who heard a 'whooshing' noise. Schmitt is reviewing law enforcement dispatcher tapes to pinpoint the object's location and is confident in narrowing down the possibilities. He also mentioned that the object would have needed to refuel, as reports placed it in the area for nearly seven hours.

UFOs reportedly seen near Mono Lake

This report details several alleged UFO sightings in Mono County, California, investigated by Thomas McFall for the Center for UFO Studies. Incidents include a pilot seeing a 'huge, orange rectangular glow,' a couple witnessing a 'silvery disk' that moved at phenomenal speed, and a man seeing a 'pink diamond-shaped object' emitting laser beams. The sightings occurred between late October and January.

UFO comes out of the saucepan into the skies

This article from Orange, Australia, describes a sighting by Peter Langham of an object that emerged from the 'Saucepan' star formation and zoomed off. Langham described it as having three large green lights and smaller white lights. Orange police and aviation authorities reported no other sightings, and local UFO researcher Terry Bishop found the description unusual, ruling out common explanations like meteors or satellites.

Riddle of doomed jet buzzed by a UFO

This piece discusses Jenny Randles' investigation into a 1973 incident where an F-111 jet crashed in Oxfordshire. Randles believes a UFO may have caused the crash, citing a filmed orange ball of light that appeared before the crash, ruling out other theories like ball lightning.

Data Bank to Track Unidentified Flying Objects

In France, a group has established a data bank to collect and analyze UFO sighting reports from around the world. The International Bank for Ufological Data has received over 1,000 reports, with a quarter dealing with phenomena witnessed by thousands. The data suggests sightings occurred in the morning, with objects traveling at high speeds and altitudes, and not detected by NATO radar. The bank's manager, Frank Marie, disputes the meteorite explanation, suggesting a physical phenomenon not yet understood.

Riddle of Muriel's fiery ball of light

An Oxfordshire pensioner, Mrs. Muriel Woodward, reported seeing a fiery, tennis ball-like object with a bright tail near her home, which she described as unlike any aircraft.

'Triangle' controversy gets new life

This article discusses new evidence regarding a salvaged Grumman Avenger plane found in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially linked to the Bermuda Triangle myth. However, conflicting information about the plane's serial number raises doubts about its connection to the famous 'Flight 19' disappearance.

Murphy's Law intervened in plan, car inventor explains to observers

Joseph Newman, an inventor claiming a breakthrough in energy physics, canceled an endurance test for his prototype car in Jackson, Mississippi, due to a damaged electric motor. Despite the setback, many attendees expressed faith in his machine, while others viewed it as a publicity failure. Newman's patent applications have been repeatedly denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Bigfoot

This section features several articles related to Bigfoot sightings and research. Ivan Marx, a Bigfoot tracker, believes in the existence of intelligent Bigfoot creatures. The articles discuss sightings, alleged encounters, and the ongoing debate between researchers like Marx, Warren Cook, and Grover Krantz regarding Bigfoot's existence, classification, and the possibility of photographic evidence. One article from the DAILY JEFFERSONIAN reports on Don Keating's Eastern Ohio Bigfoot Study Group investigating sightings in the Cambridge area. Another from the FREE PRESS highlights Norman Rabidoux's artistic creations depicting Champ, the Lake Champlain monster. The BEE also covers Marx's tracking efforts and his belief in Bigfoot's existence.

Japanese scientists scan pyramid

A brief report mentions Japanese scientists using electromagnetic scanners inside the Great Pyramid of Giza to investigate its secrets.

Southland rattled, but this mysterious shake is no quake

This article describes a widespread shaking phenomenon felt in Southern California that was not attributed to seismic activity by experts. Possible causes like atmospheric pressure changes or sonic booms were also ruled out.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and the ongoing debate about their nature and origin. There is a clear interest in witness testimony, investigative efforts by civilian groups, and the challenges of scientific verification. The inclusion of articles on Bigfoot and the Lake Champlain monster suggests a broader interest in cryptids and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The magazine seems to cater to an audience fascinated by the unknown and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding.