UFO Newsclipping Service - 1987 10 - no 219

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated October 1987, focuses on the persistent interest in UFOs 40 years after the initial 'flying saucer' sighting. The main headline, 'UFO center alleges government cover-up,' introduces a press conference by the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) which claimed the U.S. government has withheld proof of UFO existence. The issue includes reports from various newspapers across the U.S., detailing sightings, alleged abductions, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics.

UFO Center Alleges Government Cover-Up

An article by Michael Burke reports on a press conference held by CUFOS in Belleville, Illinois. Co-director Don Schmitt and Rich Heiden of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. stated that the government has been withholding its own proof of UFO existence. They classified some recent area UFO reports as legitimate, though not necessarily extraterrestrial. Schmitt explained that CUFOS rules out all explanations except 'unknown' for certain sightings. He also discussed documents related to the 'Roswell Incident,' alleging they were a debriefing of Dwight Eisenhower detailing the recovery of spacecraft fragments and decomposed occupants. These documents were to be released nationally. The Roswell incident itself began in July 1947 with reports of flying disks, followed by the discovery of metallic debris by rancher Mack Rasel. The Air Force cordoned off the area, and a cover story of a weather balloon crash was issued. Schmitt believes public pressure could force the government to share its UFO information, noting the military applications of UFO technology as a reason for secrecy. Rich Heiden presented slides of UFOs and alien descriptions, mentioning that while UFOs don't seem to pose a danger, some abductees reported being experimented upon.

UFOs Over Corydon

An article from the Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) by John C. Pillow discusses UFO sightings in Harrison County, Indiana. Residents have reported unidentified flying objects for 30 years, with a recent rash of spottings. Janet Reising organized a gathering for believers to find strength. Jim and Mogwedell Norman described seeing white, orange, and blue lights circling like a cigar. Steve Hamm of the Harrison County Sheriff's Department also reported seeing boomerang-shaped lights. Robert Redmon, initially a skeptic, described seeing a flying searchlight. Rosamond Sample expressed a desire to see a UFO or alien. UFO sighters generally consider the visitors friendly. However, Jim Delehanty, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network, believes these sightings are conventional aircraft, possibly from Fort Knox, and considers the Corydon case closed. Others suspect new army weapons testing or government secrecy. Susan Evans disagrees, believing the government couldn't keep such a secret.

Sighting of UFOs Adds Excitement to Vintage Car Race

A brief report from the Daily Pilot (Costa Mesa, CA) mentions Wayne Stanfield, a participant in the Great American Race, reporting two unidentified flying objects on Sunday outside Yuma, Arizona. A Japanese television crew also has a videotape of the bright orange lights.

Unexplained Lights Spotted in Sky Over Lake Blaine

A report from the Weekly News (Kalispell, MT) details a sighting of unexplained lights over the mountains east of Lake Blaine. Heath Halden spotted the lights, described as three vertical white lights with one other light off to the left, blinking from white to red. The Sheriff's Department confirmed the sighting but could not determine the object's nature. Air traffic controllers reported no radar sightings.

UFOs: They're 40 and Flourishing

This article from the Citizen (Tucson, AZ) by J. Randall Jue explores the UFO phenomenon on its 40th anniversary. It highlights two Tucson groups: the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), an oldest UFO investigation agency, and Tucson Skeptics Inc. (TUSKS), which debunks such claims. The article traces the history of UFO sightings from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 report to the Air Force's Project Blue Book and the Condon Report. It notes a resurgence in UFO interest in 1977 when President Carter asked NASA to investigate, and another surge in 1987, partly due to increased reports of alleged UFO abductions. Coral Lorenzen, acting president of APRO, believes UFOs are controlled by scientifically advanced individuals observing humanity. James McGaha of TUSKS views abductions as psychological phenomena and prefers the term UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). He argues that the vast distances in space make extraterrestrial visitation unlikely. The article also details specific Arizona sightings, including a 'disk machine' incident in 1955, a light near a missile silo in 1962, and the famous Travis Walton abduction case in 1975.

Arizona Has History of Sightings

This section from the Citizen (Tucson, AZ) provides specific examples of UFO sightings in Arizona, including a 'disk machine' incident in 1955, a light near a missile silo in 1962, alleged swirls in the sand in 1967, a sighting near Brown's Peak in 1968 that charred plants, and the 1975 Travis Walton abduction. It also mentions the APRO's investigation into the Walton case and the Condon Report's conclusion that no UFOs represented extraterrestrial spacecraft.

'International UFO Symposium'

Paul Harvey's syndicated column discusses an upcoming 'International UFO Symposium' in Washington, D.C. He mentions the Freedom of Information Act making information available and government agencies lying about investigations in the 1940s and 1950s. Harvey references a document allegedly presented to Dwight Eisenhower confirming a crash near Roswell, N.M., in 1947, involving a 'spaceship' and occupants. He expresses skepticism about how alien beings capable of interstellar travel could fail to land safely and questions why no 'deep throat' source has come forward if the story is true. He also mentions being offered contact with a government witness but receiving no tangible evidence.

UFO Followers Watch and Wait

Lee Stratton's article from the Dispatch (Columbus, OH) explores the question of UFO existence on the 40th anniversary of the first sighting. It notes that while skeptics dismiss sightings as explainable phenomena, some reports come from professional pilots. The article mentions the Air Force's Project Blue Book and the CIA's belief in Earth-based colonies. Donald Jernigan, founder of the Phenomena Investigation Committee, claims the CIA believes in ancient Earth colonies and that the U.S. and Soviet Union are racing to learn alien technologies. He suggests the government will slowly admit to alien visitors, possibly influencing movies to portray aliens as friendly. He believes aliens might be reluctant to reveal themselves due to human wars and bigotry.

Writer Describes His Abduction by Aliens

Bill Dietrich's article in The Times (Seattle, WA) reviews Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion,' describing it as a supreme horror story. It questions the reality of Strieber's alleged abduction, with psychologist John Gliedman suggesting it could be triggered by unknown mental mechanisms or environmental changes. Professor Michael Swords finds Strieber's evidence not compelling but considers Budd Hopkins' 'Intruders' more persuasive due to similar cases and physical evidence. The article notes that UFO abduction tales reflect deep-seated fears and hopes for salvation. It also touches on the scientific community's focus on space probes and radio telescopes for extraterrestrial life, and the media's mixed approach to UFO stories.

Space Visitors? Read the Arguments

This section presents arguments for and against the existence of extraterrestrial visitors. Pro-arguments include the large number of sightings by credible witnesses, the probability of other civilizations, the acceleration of sightings with technological advancements, and alleged government cover-ups. Con-arguments include that most sightings have prosaic explanations, the vast distances between stars, the inconsistencies in UFO descriptions and occupants, and the lack of undeniable proof.

'Project Aquarius' on the Horizon

Paul Harvey's syndicated column discusses 'Project Aquarius,' a secret government watch on UFOs. He mentions the 'Majestic 12' group created by President Truman and perpetuated by Eisenhower. Harvey reiterates his skepticism about the Roswell crash, questioning the aliens' ability to travel interstellar distances yet fail to land safely. He also notes the existence of experimental Navy planes with elliptical wings resembling 'saucers.'

Validity of UFO's is Not Proven

In this concluding part of his series, Paul Harvey expresses his continued skepticism about UFOs. He acknowledges receiving many documents and interviews but remains unconvinced without tangible evidence. He notes that while many UFO researchers are sincere, the lack of demonstrated validity prevents him from encouraging belief. He mentions the upcoming symposium in Washington, D.C., and the possibility that some speakers might claim government secrecy is the only barrier to truth.

Pulsating UFO Lands In Florida Swamp

This article by Glenn Sparks describes an incident in the Everglades where James W. Flynn reported a circular, cone-shaped object with a pulsating glow. A blue light shot out from the craft, hitting Flynn and causing him to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, he found the craft gone but discovered a charred circular spot on the ground and burned trees. The Air Force partially debunked the incident, but Flynn's injuries and the physical evidence led to partial exoneration.

UFOs Make News Again

Patti Thorn's article from the Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) highlights a recent surge in UFO sightings, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Mount Rainier sighting and the publication of best-selling books on the subject. It features an account from three young girls in Arapahoe County who claim to have seen a triangular, spinning craft with red, white, and blue lights. Deputy Sheriff Vincent Cecilione investigated and found unusual black marks on trees, which the girls interpreted as proof of alien visitors. The article notes that while police departments and local authorities haven't typically received UFO reports, this case prompted an open mind. It concludes by suggesting that with two-thirds of Americans believing in UFOs, the phenomenon is gaining significant traction.

Whatever It Was, It Didn't Return

Jerry Ambelang's report from the Capital Times (Madison, WI) follows up on the Waunakee UFO sighting by two police officers. Waunakee Police Chief Frank Balistreri confirmed that there were no further sightings and discounted the hot-air balloon explanation. Officers Kevin Plendl and Scott McElroy described a glowing, moon-shaped object with flashing red and blue lights. They observed it for hours and saw a part of it break away and move at high speed. The incident has generated local buzz, and the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies is investigating. The article also references previous sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin, which the center concluded were unidentified flying objects.

Stories of UFOs Started in Pendleton 40 Years Ago

Hal McCune's article from the East Oregonian (Pendleton, OR) revisits the 40th anniversary of UFO sightings, focusing on Bill Schuening, who claims to have seen a flying saucer 25 miles north of Pendleton on June 24, 1947. Schuening described a spherical, silver object hovering above farmland, with two small figures in green suits emerging. He also reported seeing the craft depart at high speed. The article contrasts Schuening's detailed account with Kenneth Arnold's sighting, which gained national attention and popularized the term 'flying saucer.' Schuening's story was initially downplayed but later published. He maintains his sighting was real, despite the lack of tangible evidence.

Crash Search Near Ozark Discontinued

A brief report from the Arkansas Gazette notes that a search for a downed aircraft northeast of Ozark was called off due to a lack of substantiating facts. A private pilot and two boys had reported seeing a jet crash and explode.

UFOs Verify UFO Definitions

Richard W. Heiden, Assistant Editor of APRO Bulletin, clarifies UFO definitions based on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's classifications. He explains 'Close Encounters' and corrects common misconceptions, particularly regarding the term 'Close Encounter' itself. Heiden also mentions Jim Lorenzen, co-founder of APRO, who passed away in August 1988, and provides contact information for APRO.

Man Sticks to His Report

This article from the East Oregonian (Pendleton, OR) reiterates Bill Schuening's claim of seeing a UFO 40 years prior. It highlights his detailed recollection of the event, including the object's appearance, hovering, and departure, as well as the presence of two small figures. The article contrasts his personal account with the more widely publicized sighting by Kenneth Arnold.

UFOs Make News Again

This article from the Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) discusses the renewed public interest in UFOs, linking it to the 40th anniversary of the Mount Rainier sighting and popular books. It features the account of three girls in Arapahoe County who reported seeing a triangular craft. Deputy Sheriff Vincent Cecilione investigated and found evidence of burn marks on trees, supporting the girls' belief in a UFO sighting. The article notes the general skepticism towards UFO reports but highlights this case's impact.

Whatever It Was, It Didn't Return

Jerry Ambelang's report from the Capital Times (Madison, WI) provides an update on the Waunakee UFO sighting by two police officers. Chief Frank Balistreri confirmed no further sightings and dismissed the hot-air balloon theory. The officers' account of a glowing object with flashing lights is detailed, along with their initial reluctance to report it. The J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies is investigating, having previously concluded that a similar sighting in Belleville, Wisconsin, was an unidentified flying object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the 40th anniversary of the modern UFO era, the alleged government cover-up of UFO evidence, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There's a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts, particularly those from credible sources like pilots and law enforcement officers, and the challenges of proving or disproving these phenomena. The issue also highlights the role of UFO research organizations like CUFOS, APRO, and the Mutual UFO Network in collecting and analyzing reports. The editorial stance, as reflected in Paul Harvey's columns, is one of cautious skepticism, demanding tangible evidence while acknowledging the sincerity of many witnesses and the persistence of the UFO mystery. The overall tone suggests that despite decades of sightings and investigations, the question of what UFOs are remains largely unanswered, fueling continued public fascination and debate.

This issue of The Observer, dated August 20, 1987, features a lifestyle section with a prominent article titled 'Walter's guide to the galaxy' focusing on UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Walter's Guide to the Galaxy

The main feature profiles Walter Blythe, a retired miner from Padley Hill, Mansfield, who has dedicated 40 years to observing UFOs and claims to have witnessed them on 24 separate occasions. Blythe is initiating a UFO group to connect with others interested in the subject. The article contrasts the public's often comical perception of UFOs and aliens with the growing belief among many that extraterrestrial life exists. Blythe's personal sightings include three discs resembling 'soup plates' near Rufford Colliery in August 1956 and two 'frisbee-like' discs travelling side-by-side in May 1986. He expresses frustration with the lack of open-mindedness towards the subject, stating, 'It's common-sense that life exists on other planets.'

UFOs and Conspiracy Theories

The article references Timothy Good's book, 'Above Top Secret,' which explores numerous 'close encounters' globally and posits the existence of an international conspiracy to conceal evidence of UFOs. This theme of government secrecy and withheld information is a recurring element in UFO discourse.

The Lockleaze Incident

A specific incident mentioned in relation to potential UFO activity is the Lockleaze event on August 5, 1981. This involved mysterious power surges affecting the West Midlands-Bristol power lines, leading to a series of grid failures. While not definitively attributed to UFOs, the article notes that such possibilities were not ruled out.

UFO Groups and Research

Blythe's initiative to start a UFO group aims to foster a community for sharing experiences and learning more about UFO phenomena. The article touches upon the historical context of UFO interest, mentioning Walter Blythe's earlier group, 'The Mansfield Flying Saucers,' which had 24 members in the 1950s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue delves into the persistent human fascination with the unknown, particularly concerning UFOs and the possibility of life beyond Earth. It highlights personal experiences, expert opinions, and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence and nature of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to consider the evidence and possibilities, even if they challenge conventional scientific understanding. The article implicitly supports the idea that the subject warrants serious consideration, moving beyond mere 'silly season' reading.