UFO Newsclipping Service - 1987 04 - no 213

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 1987, focuses on recent UFO activity and investigations, particularly highlighting a 'hot spot' in the Midwest. The publication features reports from various newspapers across the United States, compiled by the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service based in Plumerville, Arkansas, with Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke as co-editors.

Midwest Hot Spot for UFOs

The lead article, "Midwest hot spot for UFOs," by Don Schmitt, details a surge in UFO sightings in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. Schmitt, a field investigator for the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), is investigating these reports. He notes sightings of triangular to diamond-shaped objects with red and white lights. Specific incidents include a sighting in Waukesha where an object hovered over an intersection, and a potential landing site near Mukwonago, identified by a 'perfect circle' impression in a swamp. Schmitt also points out that microwave towers have been involved in some sightings, possibly serving as beacon lights or power sources, and mentions power surges and stalled vehicles associated with these events. He observes that Wisconsin experiences a peak in UFO activity during winter months, which is unusual given the weather conditions.

Lights in Belleville a Mystery

This article focuses on the mysterious sighting of colored lights near Belleville, Wisconsin, on January 16, 1987. Don Schmitt is personally investigating this case, which is of particular interest to CUFOS because the observation was tracked on radar. Conventional air traffic has been eliminated as an explanation. Witnesses described red and blue rotating lights on top and a white constant light on the bottom, though the shape of the object was not discernible. Some observers reported seeing multiple sets of lights that appeared to merge. The sighting was also observed from Belleville three weeks later, on February 6. Schmitt emphasizes that each report is treated as a unique case to avoid leading questions.

UFO Over Gleason, Youngsters Report

This piece from the Antigo Journal details a sighting by two youngsters in Gleason, Wisconsin. Their account of an unidentified flying object emitting red, green, and blue lights and sparks, with visible windows, prompted their mother to investigate. She found a newspaper article about UFO sightings near Belleville that described a similar vehicle, increasing her concern.

Don't Rule Out UFOs

Written by G. Fawcett, assistant state director of MUFON, this letter to the editor comments on the Japanese pilots' UFO sightings over Alaska. Fawcett challenges Philip Klass's explanation that the object was Jupiter, citing the duration of the sighting, the pilots' experience, and the FAA's warning to take evasive action. He notes that NASA scientist Richard Haines is investigating the Alaskan encounter.

Cable Ready: Local Residents Go Beyond Prime-Time TV

This article by Mary E. Forgione explores the world of public access television programming. It highlights Dr. Franklin Ruehl, producer and star of "Mysteries From Beyond the Other Dominion," a show that discusses various phenomena like UFOs in the Roman Empire and extraterrestrial life.

Sightings: UFOs Spotted Near Little Chicago, Gleason

This report from the Herald, Wausau, WI, mentions a sighting by a Hamburg woman near Little Chicago who saw an object with two bright white lights and red flashing lights. The FAA had no reports of aircraft in the area. The article also connects this to sightings by children in Gleason and numerous reports in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including the January 15 sighting by a policeman in Belleville.

UFOs Seen Over Sewickley

This piece from the Herald, Sewickley, PA, describes two dark, motionless objects observed in the sky on February 13. The objects moved southeasterly and disappeared after about 15 minutes. Calls to the Pittsburgh airport and Allegheny Observatory yielded no explanation.

Residents Spot UFO in Devils Lake Area

This report from the Forum, Fargo, ND, details a sighting of a diamond-shaped, multi-colored object over Devils Lake, North Dakota. Residents, including off-duty police officers, witnessed the object hovering and moving quickly. The FAA in Colorado indicated something was on its radar screen but could not identify it.

Strange Sighting Over Alaska Revives UFO Debate

By J. Antonio Huneeus, this article delves into the Japan Air Lines (JAL) Boeing 747 cargo jet incident on November 17, 1986. Captain Kenju Terauchi reported seeing a large object and two smaller cylindrical objects with amber lights. The FAA initially acknowledged radar detection but later labeled it an 'artifact.' Dr. Richard Haines, a NASA specialist, is investigating the case and considers it a 'very solid case' indicative of a typical high-altitude encounter. The article contrasts this with Philip Klass's explanation that the object was the planet Jupiter, a claim disputed by Haines and the JAL pilot, who stated he never reported seeing Jupiter or Mars. The article also touches on other UFO investigations and the challenges of identifying such phenomena.

UFO Group Awaits Visit from Aliens

This article by Thomas Davis profiles the Jacksonville UFO Club, founded by Lydia Stalnaker and Jean Branson. The group aims to investigate UFO sightings and provide support to individuals who have experienced encounters. They believe in the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, with members sharing personal experiences and preparing for potential contact.

Sightings Reported in Area

This report from the Daily Journal, Devils Lake, ND, reiterates the sighting of UFOs in the Devils Lake area, mentioning "red and green lights and other things." The sightings were reported by persons in the St. Michael and Tokio areas, described as "diamond-shaped objects with lights."

Some UFO Reports Notable

By Jane Weihmeir, this article features Don Schmitt, a UFO field investigator for CUFOS and MUFON. Schmitt discusses the credibility of UFO reports coming from various countries and the challenges of distinguishing military devices from genuine UFOs. He highlights the 1975 Mellen case in Wisconsin, involving a 'turtle-shaped' object observed by a family and police, which was picked up by radar.

Books: Strieber's 'Communion': Gall and a Lot of Blather

This book review by Karen Liberatore discusses Whitley Strieber's "Communion," a personal account of alleged alien abduction. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's subtitle, "A True Story," given Strieber's history of writing fiction and his admission of fabricating details in past accounts. The review highlights Strieber's claims of being contacted, probed, and intellectually influenced by alien beings, and his experiences with hypnosis revealing childhood 'missing time.'

For Lynnwood Man, UFOs Are No Fad

This article by Michael Homans profiles James R. Leming of Lynnwood, Washington, who has dedicated himself to proving the existence of extraterrestrial visitors. Leming has collected numerous government documents and believes in alien life. He cites the 1981 Texas close encounter case, where a UFO caused radiation burns, and the 1947 Roswell crash as evidence of a government cover-up. Leming believes that government agencies are hiding UFO findings and that presidents may have viewed remains of dead aliens. He criticizes the Air Force's handling of UFO information and the high cost of obtaining documents through the Freedom of Information Act.

Milton Man Says UFO Report Wrong

This report from the Daily News, Beloit, WI, features David Selgrin of Milton, who disputes a Rock County Sheriff's Department report about an egg-shaped UFO he allegedly saw. Selgrin claims the object was not egg-shaped and could have been a helicopter or a star, stating the report made a "big deal out of nothing."

UFO Battleground: Bill Clendenon is Still Fighting Government for the Truth

By Marianne Day DuBose, this article profiles Bill Clendenon, a former Naval aircraft identification instructor who has spent 35 years investigating UFOs. Clendenon is frustrated by the government's alleged runaround and cover-up of UFO information. He recounts his own UFO sightings, including one from 150 feet, and his interactions with the Air Force, NASA, and politicians like Trent Lott. Clendenon has developed a concept for a multi-fuel aerospace plane based on his research and Adamski's photographs, which he has submitted to NASA. He believes that government agencies are hiding the truth and advocates for Congressional hearings on UFOs.

Whitley Strieber's Encounter with Another Dimension

This article by Michael Heaton from the San Francisco Examiner reviews Whitley Strieber's book "Communion." The reviewer notes that Strieber, author of "Wolfen" and "The Hunger," recounts his experiences with alien visitors, undergoing physical and psychological tests that indicated no known disorder. Strieber offers various explanations for the encounters, including extraterrestrial origin, unknown aspects of the human species, or natural phenomena. The article highlights Strieber's accounts of abduction, hypnosis sessions revealing childhood 'missing time,' and his wife's similar experiences. Strieber emphasizes the importance of treating individuals with extraordinary experiences with dignity.

Only a Third Deny Existence of UFOs, Extraterrestrial Life

This article presents findings from a Gallup poll conducted in February 1987. The poll indicates that 49% of Americans believe UFOs are real, and 50% believe in life on other planets. Belief in UFOs is down slightly from 1978, while belief in extraterrestrial life is up. The survey also notes demographic variations in belief, with college-educated individuals and younger adults being more likely to believe.

UFO Hunter Aiming to Keep Network Posted on Reports of Sightings Here

This article by Mike Vogel introduces John A. Lombardo, the newly appointed New York sectional director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Lombardo, an air-freight salesman, has spent nearly 10 years investigating UFO reports. He emphasizes that his organization is not necessarily claiming visitation by extraterrestrials but is focused on researching the 'UFO phenomenon' itself. Lombardo aims to sift, sort, and analyze local sightings, forwarding significant cases to MUFON's national headquarters. He notes a recent lack of major UFO activity in the area but expects increased reports following the Japan Air Lines incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistence of UFO sightings and the ongoing efforts to investigate them, often encountering skepticism and alleged government obfuscation. There is a strong emphasis on witness credibility, scientific investigation, and the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from conventional explanations or hoaxes. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles and the publication's purpose, is to document and analyze UFO reports, providing a platform for credible accounts and investigations, while acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that UFOs are a real phenomenon worthy of serious study, despite official skepticism and public ridicule.

This issue of the DAILY NEWS, dated March 6, 1987, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related investigations. The main headline, "FAA has no conclusion about UFO," highlights the agency's findings on a Japanese Air Lines pilot's sighting. Other articles detail a radar anomaly reported by an Alaska Airlines crew, multiple UFO sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin, and personal accounts from individuals like author Whitley Strieber.

FAA Investigation of JAL Sighting

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the results of its investigation into a Japanese Air Lines (JAL) crew's sighting of UFOs on November 17. Despite first-person testimony from the crew and radar data, the FAA stated it did not have enough material to confirm the presence of an object. Paul Steucke, an FAA spokesman, explained that controllers had mistakenly interpreted a split-image of the JAL plane as a second object. The agency considers the air traffic system safe and the case closed, emphasizing that the FAA is not in the UFO business.

Kenju Terauchi, the JAL pilot, described the experience in mystical terms in a report to JAL management, calling it a "Meeting the Future." He reported seeing two spaceships that pulsed across the sky and later a huge spaceship. Co-pilot Takanori Tamefuji and engineer Yoshio Tsukuba confirmed parts of Terauchi's account, though Tsukuba expressed uncertainty about whether the objects were UFOs.

Alaska Airlines Crew Reports Radar Anomaly

An Alaska Airlines flight crew reported seeing a fast-moving unidentified object on their radar screen while en route from Nome to Anchorage. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist, stated he would take such a case seriously, calling it "one more interesting item in 40 years' worth of interesting items." Richard Haines, who studies UFO sightings by pilots, categorized this as an "electromagnetic" case, as there was no visual sighting. The anomaly occurred at 6:39 p.m. about 260 miles northwest of Anchorage, with the object estimated to be moving at 300 miles a minute. The crew never saw anything visually, and the FAA stated it did not have ground radar coverage in the area. Haines noted that without a visual sighting, the case would have "low credibility with low scientific value."

UFO Sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin

The issue details several UFO sightings near Belleville, Wisconsin. On Friday, March 5, Harvey Funseth and Fred Gochenaur reported seeing four cigar-shaped objects in the western sky in the late afternoon. Initially appearing grey, one object later looked light blue. The objects were described as being in a vertical position and unmoving, resembling a long kite. One object drifted away, emitting flames and a vapor trail, and then sped out of sight. The remaining objects appeared blurry with mist. The entire episode lasted 15-20 minutes. They contacted Dane County Airport, which reported no radar confirmation.

Lavonne Freidig, another Belleville resident, reported seeing what she initially thought was a kite hanging in the air above a grove of trees. She later saw the top part move off, and puffs of smoke were left behind. Jim Venden also reported his wife saw something similar, describing it as a kite hanging vertically, which later separated into four segments.

These sightings followed reports from a New Glarus woman and her three children who saw UFOs after dark on February 6. They described a red light in the sky with lights moving around it, and another object with white lights in the center and red ones around it. One object streaked across the sky at high speed.

Whitley Strieber's Experiences

An article discusses author Whitley Strieber and his book "Communion," which details his alleged encounters with aliens. Strieber describes "missing time" as blacked-out periods in people's lives. He recounts a discrepancy between his vivid memory of being pinned by sniper Charles Whitman and a friend's account of his whereabouts. Strieber admits confusion but argues that bringing up such inconsistencies in his book demonstrates honesty. He addresses skepticism by asking for open minds and hearts, stating he felt compelled to write the book despite potential ridicule and financial security from his established writing career. He also includes a transcript of discussions with others who have had similar encounters, noting a concern about the visitors' control and lack of respect for their subjects. Strieber believes the beings are not evil and have enriched his spiritual life, describing God as intensely personal. He advises caution regarding the experience, stating, "If something happens to me, you all will be fairly warned."

Other UFO Reports and Related Topics

The issue also includes brief mentions of other UFO-related news:

• Monticello, WI: A report from the Messenger newspaper about UFO sightings.
• Monroe, WI: An article about UFO film coming up blank, with a spokesperson from the Center for UFO Studies noting that blank photos are not uncommon.
• Anniston, AL: A story about Charles Hickson, who maintains his claim of being abducted by aliens in 1973.
• Greenwood, SC: A report of a UFO sighted at a rock quarry, described as having green and white lights.
• Journal, Edmonton, Alberta: A brief mention of UFO tales.
• Maldon & Burnham Standard, England: A report of a pilot's sighting of a UFO over McGrath, Alaska, and a personal account of seeing a "diamond"-like object.
• Cape Town, South Africa: A man claims to have spotted "20 to 50" unidentified flying objects over Table Mountain.
• Brighton Evening Argus, E. Sussex, England: A piece on the "Mystery of the Sussex UFOS," noting a history of sightings in the area.
• Daily Telegraph, London, England: An opinion piece on the "Subjectivity" of UFO sightings, suggesting they appear in shapes familiar to the observer.
• DURBAN, South Africa: Four residents reported seeing four unidentified flying objects moving in close formation at high speed.
• Birmingham, England: A report of a woman being "terrified by UFO" after seeing a large dome-shaped object.
• Altrincham & Sale Guardian, England: A report of a mysterious pulsating light seen over Dunham Massey.
• Latrobe Valley Express, Morwell, Victoria, Australia: An article titled "UFO'S IN GIPPSLAND...BELIEVE IT OR NOT!" listing several historical sightings.
• George Co. Times, Lucedale, MS: An editorial discussing Joe Newman's battery-powered automobile invention and the pursuit of Bigfoot.
• Press Herald, Portland, ME: A photographer seeking a "jungle dinosaur" in the Congo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, government investigations into these phenomena, and eyewitness accounts. There's a clear emphasis on presenting the facts as reported, even when conclusions are inconclusive, as seen in the FAA's stance. The articles highlight the variety of UFO reports, from radar anomalies to visual encounters, and the challenges in explaining them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject matter, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The inclusion of personal testimonies and expert opinions suggests an effort to explore the phenomenon from multiple perspectives.