UFO Newsclipping Service - 1987 05 - no 214

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1987, delves into the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) through a collection of articles, reports, and letters. The publication highlights investigations, witness accounts, and the ongoing debate surrounding government secrecy and the nature of these phenomena. The primary focus is on the "Belleville flap" in Wisconsin, a series of reported sightings that have captured the attention of UFO investigators.

Belleville Site of UFO Investigation

This lead article by Jane Weihmeir of the Times News Team details a recent investigation in Belleville, Wisconsin, where multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects occurred. The investigation involved a network of volunteers who combined efforts to gather information and establish an agenda for interviews, often conducted on weekends. Investigators visited observation sites, questioned neighbors, and checked for conventional explanations like air traffic. In some cases, they even consulted doctors and ministers to see if any unreported witnesses had sought counseling. The article recounts specific sightings, including one by Harvey Funseth and Fred Gochenaur of four cigar-shaped objects, and a close encounter reported by an unnamed couple on January 13th, two days before police officer Glen Kazmar's initial sighting. Officer Kazmar's report noted colored lights that lingered for over eight hours and was verified by radar. Other reports described cigar- or submarine-shaped objects. Funseth described his sighting in detail, comparing the object to a submarine without wings, noting its steady movement, lack of sound, and a flashing light on top. He took 11 pictures, but the negatives of the object turned out blank, a phenomenon attributed by some to radiation, though investigators were exploring other possibilities. The article also touches upon the difficulty in photographing UFOs and the analysis of such photographic evidence.

Village a Flap Area

This section highlights Belleville, Wisconsin, as an "official flap area" due to a high concentration of UFO sightings in a short period. Don Schmitt, an investigator with the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), noted that over 24 people reported sightings since mid-January. CUFOS typically explains 90 percent of reports as conventional phenomena, but this case has proven difficult to explain. Schmitt expressed amazement at the ongoing reports and the types of shapes involved, suggesting it was "almost smacking of something conventional" but without concrete explanations. Investigators were pursuing avenues like checking military traffic and found the reports to be "more and more legitimate," with sightings likely to be classified as legitimate UFO reports.

UFO Reports Baffling, Intriguing

This article discusses the puzzling aspects of UFO investigations, including the intent of the objects and their physical effects. In close encounters, witnesses have reported ailments like radiation poisoning, temporary paralysis, and nerve damage. The article notes that neurologists are baffled by how witnesses can remain standing during paralysis episodes. Hypnotic regression is sometimes used to retrieve information, with investigators focusing on the witnesses' emotions. Investigator Don Schmitt stated that CUFOS collects data without trying to explain sightings, but believes the objects are intelligently controlled. Reports indicate increased UFO activity around nuclear tests and military bases, with electromagnetic effects causing power drains and potentially neutralizing missiles. Schmitt suggested that UFOs show curiosity towards the military, implying a secretive motive and objective, possibly involving observation and experimentation.

Sightings of UFOs Categorized

This piece explains how UFO sightings are categorized by Don Schmitt of CUFOS: nocturnal lights, daylight disks, radar trackings, and close encounters of the first, second, and third kinds. Close encounters are further defined: first kind (sightings within 500 feet), second kind (physical trace or effects like car stalling or power outages), and third kind (description of occupants). The article notes that over 3,000 reports of close encounters of the third kind exist, likely an underestimate.

Physical Evidence of UFOs Piling Up

This article addresses the skepticism surrounding UFOs due to a lack of physical evidence. It recounts the history of UFO reports, starting with the July 2, 1947, incident in Roswell, New Mexico. A rancher discovered unusual metal debris, described as lighter than balsa wood, thin as foil, yet strong, with hieroglyphic-type symbols. Attempts to melt or dent the metal were unsuccessful. The military confiscated the debris, and a story about a "flying saucer crashed" was intercepted by the FBI. Despite official explanations involving weather satellites, witnesses and documents supported the event. The article mentions Barney Barnett's claim of witnessing officials recovering bodies from an object, described as humanoid, about 4-5 feet tall with large heads. It also notes that medical harm, ground markings, paint damage, and power surges have been associated with close encounters. A 1979 Minnesota incident involved a law enforcement officer's eyes being harmed by a UFO's light, causing damage to his car and equipment.

UFO Questions (Letter to the Editor)

This letter from T.H. Withitte in Merrill poses several speculative questions regarding UFOs and government actions. The writer questions why the government would expend so much effort to disprove UFO reports if they didn't exist. They also ask what the existence of UFOs would mean for national defense systems and world religions, suggesting that denial might stem from a desire to maintain established beliefs and the idea of humanity's central place in the universe. The letter concludes by questioning the mental state of the country if all UFO reports are merely hallucinations.

Constraints Limit Access to Information on Incidents

This article discusses the difficulties UFO investigators face in obtaining information, particularly from government sources. Laws reportedly prohibit military personnel from speaking about UFO incidents, with penalties of fines and imprisonment for leaks. Doctors and others who have examined UFO-related evidence are bound by patient privacy. These limitations prevent investigators from obtaining sworn affidavits, though the flow of data continues. Investigator Don Schmitt believes the world is closer than ever to public acknowledgement or a major piece of information being released.

Flying Saucers in Comeback

This opinion piece by Fred Steffen notes the resurgence of UFO sightings, referencing the Belleville sighting as an example. The author recounts personal experiences and reports from others in the Eau Claire area, including sightings of airplane-fuselage-like objects, saucers, and cigar-shaped craft. The article mentions a former Air Force navigator and a friend who saw an object at the Eau Claire County Airport, and another report of a saucer touching down near Durand, leaving an impression in the ground. A third report described a cigar-shaped fuselage with lighted windows. The author also touches upon the scientific skepticism surrounding UFOs, citing an astronomer's view that they are likely Earth-bound, but acknowledges that science does not have all the answers.

My View: UFO Sighted

This personal account by Bill Heinzerling describes a UFO sighting on December 13, 1986, in Waitsfield. The object was a sphere with five triangular protrusions, estimated to be 30-40 feet in diameter, emitting a reddish-orange light. It remained stationary for about ten minutes before fading away. The witness, a sincere and stable 65-year-old male, had a profound effect from the experience. The article notes a similar sighting about 20 years prior in the same area and mentions at least a dozen substantiated UFO sightings in the Mad River Valley over the past 15 years from reliable individuals. The author concludes that the UFO phenomenon is real, with reports coming in worldwide, and that while most can be explained, about 15% remain unexplained after investigation. The implications of the UFO phenomenon are vast and could change how mankind lives and thinks.

Elsa Family Videotapes Sighting

This report from Edinburg, Texas, details a sighting by the Garza family of a strange flying object over northeastern Hidalgo County. The object, described as cigar-shaped with no wings, had three bright lights and was observed flying at approximately 25-30 miles per hour. The family followed the object in their car for about an hour, capturing footage with a video camera. The aircraft was described as having a minimal vibrating sound and appeared to be about 200 yards above the ground. The family lost track of the object near Combes. Officials from U.S. Border Patrol, DEA, and U.S. Customs were contacted, with a U.S. Customs official stating the agency would follow up.

Space Ships Sighted In North Carolina

This article from Hayesville, North Carolina, reports on UFO sightings in the region. George Fawcett of MUFON identified eight bona fide UFO sightings. Woodrow and Carolyn Maggard reported seeing a huge space ship and a smaller scout ship near Murphy in August 1986. Woody Maggard also reportedly took a photograph of a space ship in Murphy in the spring of 1984. Several listeners of a local radio show reported seeing red or blue light balls in the sky. Another incident involved a car engine stopping for ten minutes after a bright light was seen in the sky. The author suggests these were space crafts and that space people seem friendly and helpful, encouraging readers to keep looking up.

Reports Spur UFO Watchers to Scan Hoosier Skies

This AP report from Corydon, Indiana, details how reports of strange lights over southern Indiana prompted an investigation by James Delehanty of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Delehanty and other observers saw airplanes but not the reported lights. Mickey Shawler, whose house was near the sightings, described the lights as blinking or glowing orange balls, with some witnesses reporting they followed their cars. Jackie Carpenter of the Corydon Democrat, initially a skeptic, saw the lights two weeks prior. The lights were reported nightly for over two weeks, and MUFON was asked to investigate by the National UFO Reporting Center.

Not everyone in Lake City accepting prankster's confession in UFO mystery

This article from Lake City, Minnesota, discusses David Olson's confession that he was responsible for a UFO landing hoax on his nephew's farm in 1979. Olson, known as a prankster, admitted to creating the flattened and blackened cornfield to simulate a UFO landing. However, many, including former Wabasha County extension agent Matt Metz, remain skeptical of Olson's confession, citing the thoroughness of the initial investigation which concluded it couldn't have been a prank. Curtis Olson, the nephew, also expressed doubt about his uncle's story. David Olson stated he confessed because the hoax had gotten out of hand and he felt people believed what they wanted to believe regarding UFOs.

Strange Flying Object Sighted Over Northeastern Part Of County

This report from Edinburg, Texas, details a sighting by the Garza family of a strange flying object over northeastern Hidalgo County. The object, described as cigar-shaped with no wings, had three bright lights and was observed flying at approximately 25-30 miles per hour. The family followed the object in their car for about an hour, capturing footage with a video camera. The aircraft was described as having a minimal vibrating sound and appeared to be about 200 yards above the ground. The family lost track of the object near Combes. Officials from U.S. Border Patrol, DEA, and U.S. Customs were contacted, with a U.S. Customs official stating the agency would follow up.

Judge rules UFO-search ads can run

This article from Washington D.C. reports that a federal judge ruled the U.S. Army must allow a civilian employee, Larry M. Bryant, to place advertisements in defense newspapers seeking information on UFOs. Bryant, founder of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), claims the government is covering up evidence of UFOs. The judge dismissed Bryant's claim of job harassment but ordered the Army and Air Force secretaries to reimburse Bryant for legal fees. Bryant contends the government knows more about UFOs than it has revealed and that acknowledgement would create a dilemma due to its far-reaching impact on society.

Take Me to Your Reader! Accounts of UFOs Invade the Best-Seller Lists

This article by Curt Suplee discusses the surge in public interest in UFOs in 1987, marked by the release of several non-fiction books detailing alien contact, abductions, and torture. It notes increased membership in MUFON and a doubling of their mail, indicating a growing demand for information. The article highlights books by Whitley Strieber ("Communion"), Budd Hopkins ("Intruders"), and Gary Kinder ("Light Years"), which explore abduction phenomena and alleged alien experimentation. Strieber's "Communion" details his family's torment by "The Visitors," while Hopkins focuses on the systematic abduction of specific bloodlines for genetic study. Kinder reexamines the Eduard Meier case, presenting evidence that suggests the phenomena might be real despite past claims of hoax. The article also touches on the rise of paranormal interest in general, citing Shirley MacLaine's books and the growing sales of occult literature. It contrasts the new, more disturbing accounts with the more benign UFO narratives of the 1950s.

The Skeptics

This section presents the skeptical viewpoint, quoting astronomer Carl Sagan on the low probability of alien civilizations visiting Earth. It discusses the Air Force's past involvement in UFO investigations, which was discontinued due to insufficient evidence. The article mentions the controversy surrounding the Roswell incident and the ongoing belief among UFOlogists that the government is still concealing information. It also touches on the economic implications of a potential alien arrival, with one individual suggesting the liquor business would be more stable than real estate.

UFOs: They're Only Humanoids

This review by Gregory Benford discusses Whitley Strieber's book "Communion," which details his harrowing experiences with small, intelligent humanoids. Benford notes Strieber's detailed accounts, his inner skepticism, and his attempts to verify his memories through hypnosis. The review highlights Strieber's exploration of "UFO-logy" and magnetic motors, and his belief that various bizarre experiences suggest a different reality. Benford acknowledges the difficulty of the book for a scientist but suggests that the similarity of recalled experiences among people may be significant.

Publicity not alien to UFO-hunting lawyer

This article profiles Manchester attorney Robert H. Bletchman, who is convinced that aliens have visited Earth and that the U.S. government is covering up evidence, including recovered alien spacecraft wreckage. Bletchman, a member of MUFON, is designing an ad campaign to encourage people to demand that federal authorities disclose information. His cause was boosted by a story in Omni magazine. He hopes to raise funds to place ads in national publications, teasing readers with factual information and asking them to send money to MUFON. He believes that if enough people respond, commercials featuring celebrities interested in UFOs could be aired on television. Bletchman's interest in UFOs began in 1950, and he cites statistics showing a significant percentage of the population believes in UFOs.

UFO Sightings Continue To Be Reported Here

This report from Belleville, Wisconsin, details recent daylight sightings of four cigar-shaped objects. Harvey Funseth and Fred Gochenaur observed the objects, which Funseth described as looking like a long Chinese kite. Funseth attempted to photograph the objects, which appeared grey at first and then changed to a light blue color. One object emitted flames and a vapor trail. The objects were reportedly about 1/8 mile away and a couple thousand feet in the air. When contacted, the Dane County Airport would not confirm seeing anything on radar. Lavonne Freidig of Belleville reported a similar sighting, initially mistaking the object for a kite. Jim Venden also reported his wife observing something similar. The sightings are noted as happening not far from other reported encounters.

Baraboo sky watcher hopes for a visit

This article profiles Dennis Braun of Baraboo, Wisconsin, who believes intelligent life from other planets has been visiting Earth for thousands of years and holds the key to peace. Braun has collected numerous newspaper clippings, books, and photographs related to UFO sightings. He believes UFOs are real and that aliens are friendly, warning about the dangers of atomic weapons. Braun hopes to establish a UFO research center in Baraboo. He notes that churches are interested in UFOs and that many people are not ready to accept the existence of alien life. He believes that aliens have space stations on the moon and that they visit Earth to help with human problems, but people panic when they see them. Braun hopes that by contacting people interested in UFOs, they can become more informed and less scared.

Alas, jokester is diminishing UFO mystery

This opinion piece by Joe Soucheray discusses the conflicting reports about a UFO landing in Lake City, Minnesota. While some insist an object landed, Olson's uncle, David Olson, confessed to staging the event as a prank. Soucheray expresses disappointment in the confession, as he prefers to believe in UFO sightings. He notes that David Olson is known as a jokester and that the prank involved creating tracks in the cornfield. The author laments that such confessions diminish the credibility of UFO investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the challenges of investigating them, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific and methodical approach to UFO investigation, particularly through organizations like MUFON and CUFOS. The articles highlight witness accounts, physical evidence (or lack thereof), and the psychological impact of encounters. The issue also touches upon the public's fascination with the paranormal and the potential for widespread belief in extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both the evidence and the skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena, while acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery of the subject.

This issue of The Courier-Journal, dated March 29, 1987, features a prominent article on unexplained aerial phenomena.

Eerie lights elude investigators, radar and rational explanation

This article by Bill Weronka details a series of UFO sightings that occurred near Corydon, Indiana. The phenomena, described as glowing and blinking lights, were reported almost nightly for over two weeks, primarily near the home of Mickey Shawler. Shawler, along with journalists and police officers, witnessed these lights, which appeared as blinking objects moving with occasional zig-zags and hovering orange glows. Despite the consistent reports, no rational explanation has been found. Russell Hailey, a supervisor at the Standiford Field control tower in Louisville, confirmed that no unusual activity was detected on radar, and there were no reported night military exercises at Fort Knox that could account for the sightings.

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), an international organization with 4,000 members, is investigating the case. James Delehanty, a field operative for MUFON, visited Shawler and observed the lights himself. He initially classified the sightings as 'nocturnal lights' but indicated they could be upgraded to 'close encounter I' if further evidence supports it. Delehanty explained the MUFON classification system, which ranges from 'nocturnal lights' to 'close encounter IV' (abduction by aliens).

The article also touches upon the skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena, with Burt Monroe, a professor of biology at the University of Louisville and a UFO expert, stating that MUFON is 'about the best there is' for documenting and debunking sightings. The reporter, Bill Weronka, admits to being a skeptic but acknowledges the compelling nature of the evidence presented.

UFO skeptic can't explain - or deny - dancing lights

This article, also by Bill Weronka, follows the reporter's personal experience investigating the UFO sightings in Corydon, Indiana. Weronka, initially a skeptic, accompanied Mickey Shawler and her friend Carolynne to observe the phenomena. They witnessed blinking lights and a hovering orange glow, which Shawler described as appearing almost nightly for two weeks. The reporter's wife, Carolynne, also saw the lights, leading Weronka to remark, "If you're hallucinating, so am I."

The observed lights exhibited unusual behavior, including dimming and alternating glows, and moving in patterns that defied conventional explanations like airplanes or helicopters. The lack of radar detection and the absence of any discernible aircraft or objects further deepened the mystery. Weronka returned the following night with James Delehanty of MUFON, but no strange lights were observed due to rain and hail.

Despite his initial skepticism, Weronka concludes that he may have to wait a while for an explanation, admitting that he has "never seen anything that was not eventually explained" but that this case might be an exception.

Strange things cavort in Belleville skies

This article from the Wisconsin State Journal reports on a "mini-flap" of UFO sightings in southern Wisconsin, with Belleville being a focal point. UFO researcher Schmitt from the Center for UFO Studies describes the area as having a high concentration of sightings. Glen Kazmar reported seeing a silver-gray object shaped like an airplane fuselage or a blimp with no wings and red, white, and blue lights. Harvey Funseth reported seeing an oblong object with a flashing light on top that moved silently across the sky, leaving a vapor trail. Lavonne Freidig also reported seeing oblong objects in formation with flashing lights.

Schmitt states that his organization has eliminated conventional explanations for at least 90% of the cases. The sightings are being investigated by the Center for UFO Studies, which Schmitt describes as a "reliable, scholarly source on legitimate UFO sightings."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings. Despite investigations by organizations like MUFON and personal experiences of journalists, many sightings remain unexplained. The articles highlight the contrast between scientific skepticism and the growing number of credible witnesses reporting unusual aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and investigations without definitively concluding whether they are extraterrestrial in origin, acknowledging the lack of concrete evidence while respecting the experiences of those who claim to have witnessed them.