UFO Newsclipping Service - 1989 01 - no 234

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 1989, presents a collection of reports and articles detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena from across the United States. The publication aims to document unexplained aerial events and witness accounts, often questioning conventional explanations and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

Key Articles and Reports

"There have been events area residents can't explain" (Daily News, West Bend, WI, Sept. 14, 1988)

This article, the second in a four-part series, focuses on UFO sightings reported by residents of Washington County, Wisconsin. It highlights the sincerity of witnesses who claim to have seen unidentified flying objects, often dismissing explanations like military flares. Several personal accounts are detailed:

• Joyce Beay and Mary Piesler reported seeing a white object racing across the sky on a calm summer night, which suddenly stopped and then disappeared. Beay also recounted a sighting in 1976 of a "glowing orange light" that moved in relation to a telephone pole before shooting off and disappearing.
• Carol Kickenlibel described seeing a row of five "huge, yellow-orange lights" in the northeastern sky near Beaver Dam and Horicon, which suddenly went out simultaneously. She initially thought they might be related to the county fair but later read similar accounts.
• "Debbie" (a pseudonym) from Paradise Drive, West Bend, reported seeing a "boomerang-shaped" object with many flashing lights hovering near railroad tracks. Her children also witnessed it. The object disappeared after about 15 minutes.
• Walter Becker recounted two experiences: one in 1949 or 1950 where he and a friend saw an "extremely bright star" that rapidly flew over the western horizon, and another a few years ago where he observed a "puff of clouds that looked darker in the middle" with a "chrome" shine.
• Fred Aicher described seeing two "flat-like discs put together, slowly going around - rotating slowly - with a sort of white smoke coming out" around 11 p.m. in 1950. The discs were estimated to be about 100 feet in diameter and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
• Nellie Weaver recalled seeing what she thought was an airplane about 23 years prior in Monmouth, Illinois. The object stopped, a large light appeared, and it "arced the sky and fanned around it like it was looking for something." She was later validated by a news account describing the same event.

"After 10 years, local man ready to reveal UFO story" (Redwood Gazette, Redwood Falls, MN, Nov. 1, 1988)

This article features Don Okins, who recounts a UFO sighting from July 1978. He describes a "huge silver ball" rising slowly into the sky with an intense light, similar to a welding torch. The object stopped, then "took off like a bullet to the southeast." Okins was prompted to share his story after seeing a syndicated program called "UFO Coverup." His wife, Evelyn, believes him, though some children are unsure. Okins hopes his story will encourage others who have had similar experiences to come forward, questioning why other planets couldn't send people here if humans can go to the moon.

"UFOs Sighted" (Herald, Farmville, VA, Oct. 7, 1988)

This brief report details a sighting by a Crewe couple who observed an unidentified flying object hovering above a nearby field between 1-2 a.m. on September 20. They were awakened by a bright light. The object made no sound, came close to the ground, then hovered back up. After about thirty minutes, it disappeared without a trace, leaving no physical evidence in the field.

"Area churches accept possibility of space aliens" (Daily News, West Bend, WI, Sept. 15, 1988)

This article explores the views of local religious leaders on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Ufologist Don Schmidt believes UFO study has strengthened his faith. Father Michael Dodd of Holy Hill Monastery finds the idea of extraterrestrials "exciting" and notes that religious texts don't preclude other creations. Pastor Kevin Jones and James Hollingsworth of Jehovah's Witnesses state their denominations have no official doctrine on the subject but don't rule out the possibility. Sharon Marth of the Christian Science Society considers UFOs part of the scientific community, separate from religious beliefs. Gregory Bell of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee notes that while there's no official doctrine, Catholic theology doesn't rule out extraterrestrials, suggesting Jesus' redemption might apply to other worlds.

"Students talk UFOs, spirits in 'pseudo-science' course" (Associated Press Writer, Jackson)

This piece profiles James Scarbrough, a professor at Delta State University who teaches a "Science and Pseudo-Science" course. The popular, overcrowded class discusses the unexplainable, including UFOs and metaphysical experiences, aiming to objectively discuss these topics. Scarbrough, a physics and mathematics professor, believes these topics are compatible with scriptures and can be discussed without disturbing religious faith. He considers himself a "UFO buff" and has collected hundreds of reports. He notes that people's attitudes towards extraterrestrials have changed with space programs, with most people indicating some belief in life beyond Earth.

"UFO Expert Skeptical Of Ruby Alien Report" (Metropolitan, Bolingbrook, IL, Nov. 3, 1988)

Edward Biebel, a resident expert on aliens and UFOs and a state section director for MUFON, expressed skepticism about a reported alien sighting at Ruby. He stated that without authenticating the photo, the report is unsubstantiated and could be a deformed person, mannequin, or costume. Biebel suggested sending the photo to Jerry Clark of the Center for UFO Studies for analysis. Biebel's skepticism is fueled by the individual's refusal to show the photo to experts and discussions about selling the story and picture.

"Lights in sky remain mystery" (Herald & Review, Decatur, IL, Dec. 5, 1988)

Two lights that appeared to collide in the sky west of Decatur triggered a search by Illinois State Police and county deputies. The search was called off without finding any signs of a crash. A Decatur police officer reported seeing the lights meet, with one falling to the ground with a flash.

"Observers report strange aerial lights over county" (Pike Press, Pittsfield, IL, Nov. 23, 1988)

Numerous Pike County residents reported seeing strange, low-level aerial lights on two different nights (Nov. 2 and Nov. 8). The lights were described as "very bright" and in horizontal lines, often disappearing suddenly. Tom Coulson described five yellow lights in a horizontal row that suddenly went out, followed by two identical lights that appeared and disappeared. Sarah Lipcaman saw similar "bright, bright" lights. Tom and Mary Bunting reported "bright red lights" over Pittsfield, possibly accompanied by sounds like a helicopter. Jack and Shirley Thomas saw "brilliant lights" and "lighted windows" above treetops. Wayne and Margaret Butler saw flashing lights lower than airplanes. Lori Hoover reported a Nov. 2 sighting of lights north of Detroit.

"UFO Said to Be Twinkling Stars" (Eagle, Cheyenne, WY, Oct. 14, 1988)

Reports of mysterious red, blue, and white lights seen northwest of Cheyenne were likely twinkling stars, according to Robert Gribble, director of the National UFO Reporting Center. The lights were observed by police officers, a private pilot, and people at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Gribble noted that while planets like Mars and Jupiter were visible, they rose in the east, while the sightings were to the northwest. He suggested the phenomena could be "bright, scintillating stars."

"Two UFO sightings reported in Vancleave" (Sun Herald, Biloxi, MS, Dec. 16, 1988)

Larry Hollingsworth reported two "oblong objects with strange lights" near his home in Vancleave. A sheriff's spokeswoman attributed the sightings to a meteor shower. Hollingsworth also reported seeing three more UFOs a month prior. The spokeswoman stated that Tuesday night's lights were part of the year's most visible meteor shower.

"REAGAN: I SAW UFO" (New Truth, Dunedin, New Zealand, Oct. 17, 1988)

This article details a claimed UFO sighting by then-Governor Ronald Reagan in 1974. Reagan's former pilot, Bill Paynter, stated that Reagan ordered him to follow a "big light" that appeared to be several hundred yards away. The object then "took off" at a high speed. Reagan reportedly expressed amazement and later researched UFO history. Journalist Norman Miller recounted Reagan describing the sighting, but when asked if he believed in UFOs, Reagan became evasive, stating he was "agnostic." Bill Boyarsky, a reporter, recalled Reagan discussing flying saucers in 1965.

"Searchers find nothing after reported plane crash" (Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, SC, Dec. 28, 1988)

Firefighters searched a wooded area after multiple reports of a plane exploding and falling from the sky. Witnesses described a "yellow plane, trailing flames" or a "ball of fire." Astronomers speculated the sightings might have been meteors. No downed plane was found, and airport officials reported no missing aircraft. Emergency workers took the reports seriously due to the number of witnesses pointing in the same direction.

"Canadian claims 'overwhelming evidence' of UFOs" (Bee, Modesto, CA, Nov. 20, 1988)

Stanley Friedman, a Canadian physicist, presented his research on UFOs, asserting "overwhelming evidence" of alien visitation and a "cosmic Watergate." He claimed the U.S. military recovered a crashed spaceship and alien bodies near Roswell in 1947. Friedman lectured to a group of people, some of whom indicated they had seen UFOs. Ben Starr, an MJC philosophy professor, criticized Friedman's lecture as "fuzzy thinking" and "incredibly boring."

"Believers seek UFOs at Hudson Valley" (Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR, Nov. 15, 1988)

This article describes a group of UFO enthusiasts gathering in the Hudson Valley, New York, a known "hot spot" for sightings. Linda Doern and her husband Peter are fascinated by the paranormal. Ellen Crystall, a self-described UFO photographer, claims to have seen aliens and unexplained lights, believing aliens are building an underground base. Philip Imbrogno, author of "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings," notes the prevalence of unexplained sightings in the area. Jeff Lehman, a spokesman for Stewart International Airport, dismisses most sightings as conventional aircraft. Gersten, a lawyer, believes in "government conspiracy" and secret military technology testing. Crystall recounts an encounter with a 3½-foot creature with huge yellow eyes. Victoria Lacas identifies as an "abduction volunteer."

"Flying saucers are real" (Bee, Modesto, CA, Nov. 18, 1988)

This article features Ray Keller, who claims to have met an extraterrestrial. He recounts an encounter with a woman in a white jumpsuit near Mount Shasta. Keller, who has been hunting "saucers" since age 13, believes aliens are friendly observers who time-traveled from Mars and Venus. He plans to discuss UFO sightings in New Mexico, including the Roswell incident and a 1964 Socorro report.

"If you ever wondered about UFOs, check out this collection" (Bee, Modesto, CA, Oct. ?, 1988)

Marvin Taylor, a UFO expert and director of MUFON in Northern California, is displaying his UFO collection at Leonard's Artspace in Modesto. Taylor, who has researched UFOs for over 40 years, believes aliens have visited Earth since biblical times and that the government has not been fully honest about UFO information. He estimates that 85% of sightings are explainable, but the remaining 15% are of particular interest, including abductions. Taylor suggests that ancient structures like the Egyptian pyramids may have been built by "ancient astronauts."

"And now, the real UFO story" (Times & World-News, Roanoke, VA, Dec. 13, 1988)

This article discusses Danny Gordon, a news director for WYVE Radio, whose life was significantly impacted after reporting UFO sightings over Wythe County, Virginia, starting in October 1987. Gordon and Paul Dellinger collaborated on a book, "Don't Look Up!: The Real Story Behind the Virginia UFO Sightings." Gordon claims his life has been "engulfed" by the phenomenon, costing him weight, hair, money, and nearly his marriage and job. He has received thousands of reports and believes the government is hiding information. The article mentions that local authorities have received reports of unusual aircraft, and some residents have experienced threats.

"Area UFO descriptions match Wisconsin's" (Republican, Belvidere, IL, Aug. 18, 1988)

This report notes that descriptions of unidentified objects seen in Wisconsin on Wednesday night were remarkably similar to earlier UFO sightings in the Belvidere area. A woman described a triangular-shaped craft with blinking red and white lights. Another witness saw "strange, acetylene-blue lights" and later a "yellow band of light" that expanded and disappeared. Authorities in Fond du Lac and Sheboygan County had no explanation for the sightings.

"UFO Stories Dominate Year's Highlights" (Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL, Nov. 10, 1988)

This article reviews a year of UFO activity in Gulf Breeze, Florida, which became a focal point for sightings and media attention. Photographs of a "round glowing craft with visible portholes" submitted by a witness known as "Ed" sparked widespread interest. The Sentinel reported on numerous sightings, including those affecting children and pets. Donald Ware of MUFON discusses different categories of UFO encounters, including close encounters and alleged abductions. The article notes that the Gulf Breeze incident is considered "the best documented account in history" and has attracted national and international attention, including segments on "Unsolved Mysteries" and a live broadcast called "UFO Cover-Up Live."

"Gulf Breeze UFO from The Investigative Perspective" (By Donald M. Ware)

This piece by Donald Ware provides an investigative perspective on the Gulf Breeze UFO phenomenon. He notes over a hundred reported objects that could not be identified as planes, planets, or flares. He mentions reports of alien beings and blue beams from UFOs. Ware highlights a family that had 22 encounters, producing 41 photographs of at least five different types of objects. He discusses the support group established by MUFON for abductees and investigators. Ware believes increased media coverage will encourage more people to speak out and hopes the Gulf Breeze photos will help people accept the reality of alien visitors.

"One Year Later From The Witnesses Point" (Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL, Nov. 10, 1988)

Charlie Somerby reflects on the year following the initial UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze. He and his companion, Dori, witnessed an unidentified flying object slide across the sky. Somerby notes that the experience has had no negative effects beyond the certainty that "strange aircraft out there that can't be explained."

"To Celebrate or Not To Celebrate" (By Duane Cook)

Duane Cook contemplates the anniversary of the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings. He discusses the widespread interest generated by the Sentinel's reporting and the involvement of MUFON and Dr. Bruce Maccabee. Cook questions why Gulf Breeze became a focal point and whether the UFOs were intentionally interacting with witnesses. He notes the involvement of various community members, including law enforcement and city officials, and concludes that the events have been "amazing."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the persistent presence and mystery of UFOs in contemporary society. The publication consistently presents witness accounts as credible, often questioning official explanations and highlighting the limitations of conventional knowledge. There's an underlying suggestion of government secrecy or a lack of transparency regarding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting and investigation of unexplained aerial events, and giving voice to those who claim to have had direct experiences. The articles collectively suggest that UFOs are a significant and ongoing phenomenon that warrants serious attention, challenging skepticism and inviting readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of the Daily Record, dated November 18, 1988, features a prominent cover story about Japanese television's interest in filming a documentary on the 1947 Roswell UFO incident. The magazine delves into various UFO sightings, alleged cover-ups, and scientific investigations, alongside reports on cryptid phenomena like Bigfoot.

Japanese to film UFO incident

The lead story details how a six-member production crew from Nippon-TV in Tokyo will visit Roswell, New Mexico, on December 2nd to film a documentary about the mysterious UFO crash of July 1947 near Corona. Bill Moore, co-author of "The Roswell Incident," will serve as a paid consultant and accompany the crew. Nippon-TV, described as the "NBC of Japan," intends to spare no expense in uncovering the truth about the case. Moore stated that the crew will visit the Roswell Industrial Air Center, the former site of the U.S. Army Air Field, and look for buildings that fit the 1940s era. They will also interview Dr. J.A. Marcell, son of Maj. Jesse Marcel, who was involved in the original investigation. Walter Haut, the retired art dealer who issued the original press release about the crash, will also be interviewed.

Ed Shares Past: Year's Experiences on UFO Sighting Anniversary

This article is a personal account from an individual named Ed, detailing his experiences with UFO sightings, particularly around November 11, 1987. He describes a glowing object and subsequent photographs and video tape that he claims were validated by computer imaging. Ed recounts facing accusations of hoaxing and undergoing lie detector tests. He also mentions attempts to discredit him through rumors and slander campaigns. Ed discusses undergoing psychological profile tests and hypnosis, which suggested previous encounters dating back to his childhood. He expresses gratitude to those who have supported him and reported their own sightings.

AIRPLANE Witnesses baffled by search results

This article from the Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC, Dec. 31, 1988) reports on a three-day search for what witnesses believed was an exploded airplane. Several people reported seeing a yellow and white aircraft swoop down behind trees, with some seeing a ball of fire and hearing a boom. Despite the efforts of Civil Air Patrol teams and county emergency officials, no wreckage was found. Eyewitnesses Jeanette Burgess, Clarence Rowland, and Anthony Miller expressed conviction that they saw something, but were baffled by the lack of findings. The search covered over 100 acres of swamp and woodland, and no missing aircraft were reported by local airports.

UFO sighted on Plateau

This Courier-Herald (Enumclaw, WA, Dec. 7, 1988) report details a sighting of a large, circular object beaming bright light over the skies east of Enumclaw in late November. Laurence Childs, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), is investigating the claims. A young man from Black Diamond reported seeing the object on Highway 410 between 1:30 and 2 a.m. Others also witnessed it. The object was described as large with a circular top like a dome, shining extremely bright lights, and making no noise. It remained stationary for about 45 minutes before flying away. Childs was checking with the Federal Aviation Administration and military organizations as part of his investigation.

Author alleges big-scale coverup clouds evidence of UFOs existing

This article from the Enterprise (Beaumont, TX, Aug. 12, 1988) discusses Timothy Good's book, "Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up." Good, a British UFOologist, presents declassified U.S. government documents suggesting a cover-up of alien evidence. The article highlights a supposed top-secret briefing document from November 18, 1952, prepared for President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower, detailing the recovery of "four small human-like beings" after a UFO crash in New Mexico on July 7, 1947. Good claims the government still possesses these alien bodies and other evidence. The article notes that while the book has been a bestseller in Britain and Australia, it has not yet made a significant impact in major American newspapers.

UFOs = Unverified Foolhardy Opinions

This opinion piece by John Keasler, published in the Miami News (Nov. 16, 1988), expresses a long-held belief in UFOs despite the lack of verifiable proof. Keasler recounts his 40-year experience writing about UFOs, including early skepticism from editors and a personal encounter with a man claiming to be part of a spaceship crew. He notes the increased public acceptance of UFOs, citing a Gallup poll indicating a majority of Americans believe in them. However, he questions what exactly people are believing in when they say they "believe in" UFOs, given the absence of concrete evidence.

Question of Cause U.F.O. expert called in

This article from the Crewe Chronicle (Cheshire, England, Oct. 5, 1988) reports that Eric Morris, a regional co-ordinator for the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), is investigating a spate of UFO sightings over Crewe and Nantwich. Morris notes a significant increase in sightings, particularly since May, and mentions coinciding sightings in several towns on September 13. He states that while BUFORA can explain about 95% of sightings, there are still around 500 unexplained cases. Morris also discusses a reported landing near Audlem on May 21, which he claims was a very bright red spherical object that landed, remained for five minutes, and then took off, leaving scorched grass and burned trees.

NEW THEORY OVER STRANGE SIGHTINGS

This Express & Star (Wolverhampton, England, Oct. 29, 1988) article presents a new theory from BUFORA regarding strange sightings over Stafford. The association now believes that flashing triangular shapes seen are not just Stealth fighter planes but possibly multiple jets rendezvousing for mid-air refuelling. Jenny Randles, director of investigations at BUFORA, suggests that the lights might have been from several aircraft flying much higher than perceived. Stafford MP Bill Cash collated information and received a response from the Defence Minister suggesting the sightings were due to increased aircraft activity near Birmingham Airport, a theory Cash dismissed as "laughable."

UFO buzzes mum's car

This SUN (London, England, Aug. 13, 1988) report features Margaret Wilson, who claims a UFO followed her car for 30 miles before zooming off at supersonic speed. She and RAF man Geoff Reeves were baffled by the bright ball of light. The Ministry of Defence stated, "There are things out there we don't know about."

UFO IS NO FAKE

This Daily Star (London, England, Nov. 30, 1988) article focuses on photographs of a flying saucer taken by amateur cameraman Peter Beard in Barnsley. Top experts, including Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a Star Wars scientist, have spent a year studying the photos and concluded they cannot prove they are fakes. Peter Beard himself stated he never believed in flying saucers until he saw one. He and his wife Angie described the object as an aluminum-colored disc spinning with flashing lights. Dr. Maccabee's report suggests the case is good, and Peter's claim is not a hoax.

Schoolgirl sees alien craft buzz houses

This Weekly Express (Daventry, England, Nov. 24, 1988) report details a sighting by ten-year-old Terri Oakensen in Weedon, UK. Terri described an eye-shaped object with colored lights hovering above houses at a low altitude. Her grandmother, Elsie Oakensen, also has a history of UFO sightings. The Northamptonshire UFO Research Association is investigating, noting similar reports in the area on the same night.

UFO: DOGS HOWL

This Yellow Advertiser (Colchester, England, Nov. 25, 1988) article reports on sightings of unusual lights over Southend. Mr. Andrew Cochrane of the British UFO Society confirmed two sightings: one described as a hovering object with bright white, green, and red lights, accompanied by howling dogs, and another similar object without the red light. Cochrane is campaigning for the Ministry of Defence to cooperate with UFO investigators.

DID A MASSIVE SPACESHIP CRASH CARVE OUT NZ'S TAPANUI CRATER?

This People (Sydney, Australia, Nov. 29, 1988) article presents the theory of Dr. Jan Pajak, a scientist at Otago University, who claims that four gigantic UFOs exploded over New Zealand's South Island 810 years ago, creating the Tapanui Crater. Pajak suggests the crater is powerfully magnetized, affecting pilots' compasses and potentially causing local illnesses. He cites historical Maori legends describing horn-shaped objects and multiple detonations, as well as evidence like carbon-dated trees and magnetised china-stones with imprints of local flora. Pajak believes our planet is still under surveillance by similar spaceships.

Experts support UFO claim

This Free Press (Bury, England, Oct. 7, 1988) article reports on experts backing a young boy's claim of seeing a UFO land in a field. Two ufologists visited Peter Topham at his home and confirmed his story, conducting radiation tests and taking photographs at the site. They believe his description sounds like a flying saucer.

UFO 'hovered over park'

This Evening Post (Reading, England, Sept. 5, 1988) article details a sighting by Sandra Milano and Nigel Haywood of a long, oblong-shaped craft hovering over Arthur Newbury Park. They described it as cigar-shaped with a dome and bright white lights. The Ministry of Defence reportedly confirmed another sighting of the craft.

Strange sighting

This Echo (Sunderland, England, Dec. 22, 1988) report describes an unidentified flying object spotted over Wearside skies. The large object with red and orange flashing lights appeared to spin over Rodney Close, Tunstall, before silently flying off. Witnesses reported it was not an airplane.

EILEEN SEES MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS

This Express (Burnley, England, Nov. 18, 1988) article features Eileen Riley's account of seeing mysterious bright lights in the sky, described as dazzling and beautiful, with a smaller light behind it. She believes it was not natural lightning and hopes others who have seen similar phenomena will come forward.

Romance takes a dive when a couple spot a UFO!

This Bournemouth Evening Echo (Dorset, England, Aug. 25, 1988) report tells of Frances Searle and her boyfriend Paul Rudd spotting a circular UFO with flashing orange, green, and red lights hovering for about 20 minutes over Southbourne. Frances, initially skeptical, now has an open mind.

Pub trip brings a UFO 'visit'

This Telegraph & Argus (Bradford, England, Sept. 17, 1988) article recounts an experience of three women, Lesley Goggs, Dawn Wilson, and Amanda Lay, who claim to have seen a UFO while driving to a pub. They described it as a round object with large lights, not an airplane, and have reported it to UFO enthusiasts.

The man on Mars

This Daily Times Chronicle (Reading, MA, Dec. 9, 1988) article discusses Mark J. Carlotto's analysis of the "face on Mars" image from the Viking 1 orbiter. Carlotto, a scientist at TASC, used computer modeling to create a three-dimensional representation of the face, concluding that its features suggest it may not be natural and deserves further study. The article also mentions other geometrically shaped objects in the Cydonia region, dubbed "The City." While some scientists remain skeptical, others, like bioastronomer Michael Papagiannis, find the possibility of artificial origin intriguing.

Local scientist says aliens may have carved face-like object

This continuation from the Daily Times Chronicle (Reading, MA, Dec. 9, 1988) elaborates on Mark Carlotto's findings regarding the face on Mars. Carlotto's analysis of enhanced images suggests the presence of a second eye socket, teeth, and symmetrical lines on the forehead. The article notes the scientific community's divided opinion, with NASA taking no official stance. Skeptics like Michael Hart believe the object is natural, while others, like Michael Papagiannis, consider the possibility of artificial origin, suggesting it might be a message from extraterrestrial astronauts.

Reports of Bigfoot vanish in sands of time

This Times (Washington, DC, Oct. 18, 1988) article by Tom Kelly discusses Mark Opsasnick, a leading authority on Bigfoot in Maryland. Opsasnick has interviewed about 150 people and compiled a record of 250 alleged local sightings. The article notes a decline in sightings in recent years, with only one reported in Maryland in the past six years. It recounts historical sightings in the 1970s and mentions a theory of Bigfoot migration between Pennsylvania and Florida. The article also includes a list of reported sightings by Maryland county.

What's that lurking in Muskrat Lake?

This Globe and Mail (Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 2, 1988) article explores the legend of a creature lurking in Muskrat Lake, near Cobden, Ontario. Author and historian Michael Bradley is researching the phenomenon for a book, "Mussie." Bradley has interviewed eyewitnesses and is investigating the lake's geology and history, pursuing a theory that a creature, possibly walrus-like, could have been stranded when the Champlain Sea receded. The Cobden Chamber of Commerce uses the legend for tourism. Bradley's research includes sonar soundings and photographs, with some inconclusive but promising results.

Mystery light show

This Watauga Democrat (Boone, NC, Aug. 31, 1988) report details a shimmering light show witnessed by Dr. Donald Anderson and his wife, Hermine, near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The display, which occurred on August 24, 1988, was similar to one reported almost exactly one year prior. Witnesses described lateral flashes of "orange-pinkish" light with an "almost puffy look," varying in duration and intensity, and occurring well up in the sky. Dr. Tom Rokoske, a physics professor, suggested a temperature inversion as a possible explanation, but witnesses found it insufficient to explain the fireworks-like bursts.

Jerseyans stay in step with Bigfoot

This Herald-News (Passaic, NJ, Aug. 30, 1988) article discusses Bigfoot sightings in New Jersey, with over 100 reported in the last decade. It highlights a 1977 incident where a farmer claimed a creature broke into his shed and slaughtered seven rabbits. Two state troopers also claimed sightings, and motorists have reported seeing Bigfoot. Robert Jones of Vestigia, a group seeking rational explanations, notes some "silly" reports but also plausible ones. Wayne King, director of the Michigan/Canadian Bigfoot Information Center, is convinced of Bigfoot's existence and has been hunting the creature for years.

Strangest was in Wantage

This continuation from the Herald-News (Passaic, NJ, Aug. 30, 1988) details a specific Bigfoot sighting in Wantage, Sussex County, New Jersey. A farmer reported his rabbits were slaughtered by a creature that broke into his shed. The rabbits were killed in an unusual manner, with some heads missing and internal organs burst. The farmer later saw the creature. State Police Sgt. Leroy Vandermark recounts a sighting by two troopers in Montague and mentions a large footprint found in a swamp. The article also touches on the infighting within the Bigfoot research community, particularly between Rene Dahinden and Grover Krantz.

Questions but no answers

This Spokesman Review (Spokane, WA, Dec. 6, 1988) article explores various unexplained phenomena. It discusses "Angel's Hair" and "Devil's Jelly," substances that fall from the sky and dissolve upon contact with the ground, with possibilities of UFO origins. The article recounts the legend of "Springheeled Jack," a figure who terrorized London in the late 19th century, known for his leaping ability and fiery exhalations, with theories suggesting he was either an unknown terrestrial race or a UFO phenomenon. It also mentions the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot/Yeti, noting their widespread reports and potential migratory paths. The article concludes by posing the question of what exactly people believe in when they refer to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups of extraterrestrial evidence, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories, from personal eyewitness testimonies to scientific analyses and historical legends. While some articles express skepticism or offer conventional explanations, the overall tone allows for the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence, reflecting a fascination with the unknown and a desire to uncover the truth behind these mysteries.