UFO Newsclipping Service - 1989 08 - no 241

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated August 1989, number 241, is a compilation of UFO-related news articles from various publications. Co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke, it presents a collection of sightings, investigations, and theories surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

(Way Over The Back Fence) UFO's by Debbie Steinberg

This section features several reports from the Anza area, California, detailing recent UFO sightings. On June 4, 1989, a teenager in the Cary Rd area observed a brilliant blue light that remained stationary for 10 minutes before speeding away. On the same evening, a 25-year-old woman experienced a two-hour time loss after seeing a blue flash of light, regaining consciousness in a disoriented state. On June 10, 1989, a woman on Bautista Rd reported a brilliant flash of light and a period of lost time, finding herself in an open field with wet clothing but dry skin. On June 20, 1989, a woman in the Cary Rd area heard a noise resembling a helicopter and saw a large, unusual red flashing light that moved erratically. She later observed a large craft with a jet-like nose and a transparent body with flashing red lights. On June 23, 1989, two children in Garner Valley observed a large craft with three blinking lights hovering in the night sky. Other reports from June 28 and 29 include sightings of multiple lights, a "huge" gold light, a "floating barge that resembled a city," and military aircraft interacting with observed lights. The author expresses appreciation for shared experiences and promises to update with new information.

TV show to investigate alleged UFO cover-up by Marilyn Haddrill

This article from the El Paso Times discusses NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" television series investigating the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. The Army maintains the recovered debris was from a weather balloon, contradicting an initial announcement that it was from a flying saucer. The TV show plans to re-create the "Roswell Incident" for a fall broadcast, mixing dramatized re-enactments with interviews. UFO skeptic Philip Klass dismisses the incident, attributing the initial announcement to "flying saucer hysteria." Casting coordinator Carol Renee is involved in selecting actors for the dramatizations, which will include roles for Mac Brazeal, who discovered wreckage, and Maj. Jesse Marcel, the Army intelligence officer who investigated the site. Walter Haut, the Army spokesman who released the initial story, and Renee both suggest the weather balloon story was a cover-up. The TV crew is reportedly using a different location for filming to resemble the original crash site.

UFO theory: Swarms of bugs

This article from the Arizona Republic presents a theory by biophysicist Phillip Callahan suggesting that some unidentified flying objects (UFOs) glowing in the night sky could be swarms of migrating insects. Callahan, a retired research professor, states that storms generate electrical fields that can cause insect antennae to glow. He compares this effect to St. Elmo's fire. A study comparing spruce budworm moth migrations with UFO sightings reportedly supports this hypothesis. However, UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass believes insects might explain only a small fraction of sightings.

Up there, in the sky, could that be a UFO? by Denise Johnson

This article from the Gaston Gazette reports on a presentation by UFO expert George Fawcett at Mount Holly Junior High School. Fawcett, who has studied UFOs for 45 years, shared his belief that other life forms exist outside Earth and that "flying saucers and little men with ray guns are real." He became interested in UFOs after seeing silver, ball-like objects during World War II. Fawcett aims to establish a $4.5 million UFO museum in North Carolina and claims government policy has historically been to hide UFO information. He has obtained material through the Freedom of Information Act and describes common features of alleged extraterrestrials and their craft.

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER...1943 by Gerry A. Casey

Gerry A. Casey, an aviation writer and former CAA/FAA inspector, recounts a UFO encounter from April 5, 1943. While instructing a student in a Vultee trainer, Casey observed a strange, orange, wobbly craft that made a sudden, unbelievable acceleration and maintained perfect formation with their aircraft. He estimates its speed at 7,200 mph. Casey initially kept the experience private due to the stigma associated with UFO reports, but after witnessing similar accounts from credible sources, he decided to share his story. He categorizes UFO experiences into five types: delusional, hoax, mistaken identification, valid but requiring verification, and valid and attested-to by credible witnesses. Casey theorizes that UFO inventors are technologically advanced and that the objects may control gravity. He notes that many sightings occur near atomic plants or military installations and questions the government's lack of transparency on the subject.

More residents report seeing UFO by Jennifer Shaffer

This article from the Wayne Independent reports on additional sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the northern Wayne County area. Fred Weigelt and eight other game protectors reported seeing three reddish-orange lights in a triangle formation, along with two steady red lights, near Pennsylvania Ridge. They described a low noise emitted as the object moved away. Weigelt, a trained observer, expressed amazement at what he saw. The article also mentions a possible explanation for some sightings being ultralights, which can be mistaken for UFOs due to their slow movements and lights. Stan Gordon of PASU notes that the northeast area of Pennsylvania has been a prime sighting location for years and encourages reporting to PASU. Witnesses have described objects as rectangular or cigar-shaped, near 300 feet in length.

UFO group studying three local sightings by Michael Burke

Members of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) have investigated three reports of UFOs in Escambia County, Florida, in March and April 1989. Two sightings were reported in Warrington and one in Cantonment. Witnesses described bright lights and objects hovering over roads and near trees. One object was described as being as wide as the road with yellow and green lights moving clockwise, and it vanished as another car approached. Another sighting involved an oval-shaped UFO, and a third described an object with numerous white lights and a blue ring. MUFON believes these reports are valid.

'I looked up and saw an enormous ball of fire' by Terry Joyce

This article from The News and Courier details sightings of a bright object over the Lowcountry, South Carolina, on a Sunday morning. Ernest R. Banz and other members of a fishing club described a colorful object with trailing lights, possibly a meteor. Professor William R. Kubinec suggests it could be from the Capricornids meteor shower. Leo Martin photographed a similar object with his video camera, describing it as an "enormous ball of fire with a tremendous tail." Bruce W. Causey also reported seeing an object with numerous whitish lights. The article notes that the Charleston Air Force Base had no radar confirmation, and the FAA no longer tracks UFO sightings.

Kecksburg Crash Controversial by Kim Opatka

This article, the final part of a series on UFOs, examines the controversial Kecksburg crash of December 9, 1965. The object, described as a brilliant ball of fire, crashed in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania. While some reports labeled it a meteorite, investigator Stan Gordon believes it was a true UFO. John (an anonymous witness) described the object as acorn-shaped, made of an unknown metal, with writing resembling ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. He stated that the military took control of the area and removed the object. Gordon's research suggests the 662nd Radar Squadron was involved, and he theorizes that some intelligence teams investigated crashed objects that could "affect national security."

Mystery of Meteor Road still unsolved by The Tribune-Review

This article revisits the Kecksburg crash, mentioning the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department. It notes that a Japanese television crew visited the area to film a special on the incident. The article highlights the naming of "Meteor Road" and the ongoing mystery surrounding the event. Kecksburg Fire Department President Jim Mayes recalls being called to the scene and witnessing military personnel and authorities converging. Eyewitnesses like "Pete" described the object as resembling a giant metal acorn with hieroglyphic writing, and it was loaded onto a flatbed trailer. Stan Gordon of PASU has not ruled out space debris but notes eyewitness accounts that dispute this theory.

80 residents called sheriff about UFO by Chris Swingle

This article from the Ithaca Journal reports on numerous calls received by the Tompkins County sheriff's department regarding sightings of unidentified objects in the sky around 10 p.m. on a Saturday. While the Army suggested it might have been helicopters from the Seneca Army Depot, a civilian assistant at the depot stated no one was flying that night. Witnesses described circular, triangular, and horizontal patterns of lights, with some noting a lack of rotor noise and others hearing a "hum." James Woodard, a former Army infantryman, stated he had never seen helicopters maneuver like the observed objects. The article also mentions similar sightings eight weeks prior and a theory that it might be a prank by pilots.

Strangers in the night? by Addam Schwartz

This article from the Intelligencer/Record discusses the ongoing phenomenon of UFO sightings, noting that they are no longer confined to rural areas or tabloids. Stan Gordon of PASU states that while many sightings are explainable as misidentified aircraft, weather balloons, or natural phenomena, a significant number remain unexplained. He highlights the shift from disk-shaped objects to triangular, cigar-shaped, or rectangular craft. The article mentions a sighting in Chalfont, PA, involving a charcoal-black triangular object with multiple lights. It also notes that the Air Force stopped identifying UFOs in 1969, but sightings have continued. Bruce G. Muchnick, an "open-minded skeptic," suggests that some sightings might be misidentified birds or optical illusions, while Ellen Collins recounts a personal experience of being aboard a UFO.

UFO article misleading and incomplete (Letter to the Editor)

This letter to the editor, from Bill Gruber, criticizes an article by "UFO Enigma" for misrepresenting his research and portraying him as a "lunatic leading a cult." Gruber defends his scientific background and states that his extensive research, including photographing clear-cut craft and interacting with witnesses, has led him to conclusions that may seem "bizarre" to those unfamiliar with real UFO phenomena. He refutes snide comments about other investigators and asserts that the lights he saw were not necessarily ships. Gruber also criticizes the article for not interviewing local residents or the police department, and for not asking a woman who also witnessed the event about her experience.

Abduction claims researcher is used to skeptics by Addam Schwartz

David Jacobs, a history professor and UFO abduction researcher, discusses the skepticism surrounding his work. He believes there is evidence supporting abduction claims and theorizes that UFOs originate from "not of Earth." Jacobs, who has been researching UFOs since 1966 and abductions for about 10 years, uses hypnosis in his interviews, acknowledging its limitations but also its effectiveness in eliciting detailed accounts. He notes the similarity across numerous abduction stories, suggesting they are not mere "individual hallucinations" but conform to cultural patterns. Jacobs teaches a course on "UFOs in American Society" at Temple University and believes that the ridicule surrounding UFOs stems from cultural biases rather than the phenomenon itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistence of UFO sightings across different regions and time periods, the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, and the alleged government cover-ups and secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging the need for scientific investigation and critical analysis. The publication seems to lean towards validating the experiences of witnesses, even while recognizing that many sightings may have mundane explanations.

This issue of the Miami Herald, dated August 6, 1989, prominently features the topic of UFOs with the headline "Flash! UFOs are real!" and a lead story questioning if "Mr. Ed" is giving us the horse laugh, referring to Edward Daniel Walters and his controversial claims.

'Mr. Ed' and the Gulf Breeze Sightings

The main article by Sydney P. Freedberg details the story of Edward Daniel Walters, known as "Mr. Ed," who claims to have photographic proof of flying saucer landings in Gulf Breeze, Florida. The publisher, William Morrow & Co., reportedly paid Walters $200,000 for his book, "UFO-Proof Positive: A True Story of the Gulf Breeze Sighting," with a British production company securing rights for a mini-series. Walters, a 43-year-old man with a builder's license, first came to prominence in November 1987 when the Gulf Breeze Sentinel published dramatic photos of a glowing spaceship, initially attributed to "Mr. X," who later confessed to being "Mr. Ed."

Walters described encounters with four-foot-tall creatures with big eyes and little mouths, wearing dark gray shields and carrying silver rods. He recounted an incident where a "blue beam" from a saucer lifted him off the ground and that aliens implanted a humming device in his head. The revelations divided the town of Gulf Breeze. Despite skepticism from publications like People magazine and Life magazine, and an assessment by NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab member Dr. Robert Nathan that the photos were likely a hoax, Naval physicist Dr. Bruce Maccabee expressed an openness to the possibility of visitors.

William D. Clendenon: A UFO Researcher's Perspective

An article from the Journal, Stevens Point, WI, dated July 22, 1989, titled "Clendenon to speak here on Unidentified Flying Objects," introduces William D. Clendenon, a researcher and lecturer on UFOs for over 40 years. Clendenon, who urges the public to "keep your minds open," spoke at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He claims to have seen UFOs and talked to alien beings. His book, "Mercury: Messenger of the Gods," explores his theories about UFOs and a potential government cover-up. Clendenon believes it's time for the public to demand the truth and advocates for open congressional hearings on the subject. He also has an interest in "Big Foot" legends.

Another article from the Journal, Stevens Point, WI, dated August 5, 1989, "On the lookout for UFOs," further details Clendenon's views. He believes the government is covering up information about UFOs and that the public should demand transparency. Clendenon, a former aircraft identification instructor for the U.S. Navy, theorizes that UFOs use ionized air as fuel and operate like generators in a turbine fashion. He has been studying a particular UFO photograph for 37 years, originally taken by George Adamski, and believes it resembles blueprints for a spaceship. Clendenon has shared his findings with international groups, emphasizing that UFOs are a "world problem."

Crop Circles and Mysterious Phenomena

The Sunday Times, London, England, July 9, 1989, features an article titled "Running round in circles" by Stuart Wavell, discussing the mysterious appearance of crop circles. Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, researchers who have documented 148 circles in southern England, propose the theory of a rotating energy field. They have worked with 35 scientists and stress their technical credentials. Their critics, the British UFO Research Association (Bufora), accuse them of promoting myths and ignoring hoaxes. Delgado and Andrews claim that a molecular change in affected crops is passing into the food chain. They also report that police aircraft have exchanged details of new circle formations with them.

A related article from the Sunday Express, London, England, July 30, 1989, "Mystery circles take to the hills," reports on a massive outbreak of 98 mystery circles found on hilltops near Llanthony in the Black Mountains, Wales, bringing the nationwide total to over 250. Scientists are investigating, with Colin Andrews stating that the scale of the formations suggests no human involvement and that the circles are found near lay lines, believed to be energy forces.

Strange Encounters and Cryptids

Several articles cover reports of unusual creatures and encounters:

• "Proof of close encounter 'UFO tried to abduct WA family in car" (Sunday Times, Perth, W.A., Australia, July 23, 1989) details the claim of the Knowles family from Perth, Australia, who reported a UFO plucking their car off the road on the Nullarbor. American UFO researcher Paul Norman investigated, finding unusual dust particles and evidence of the car's suspension being stretched.

• "Giant UFO Gives RAAF Jet the Slip" (People, Sydney, Australia, Jan. 31, 1989) recounts a story from a farm machinery engineer in Narrogin, WA, who, along with his family, claims to have seen a huge oval object hovering near their house, resulting in a memory gap.

• "Lizard Man Is Quiet ... Really Quiet" (Observer, Charlotte, NC, July 23, 1989) discusses the "Lizard Man" phenomenon in Bishopville, South Carolina. Sheriff Liston Truesdale took the reports seriously, including those of a 7-foot scaly green monster and sightings of flying saucers.

• "Bigfoot conference produces disagreement, many questions" (State Daily Evergreen, Pullman, WA, June 27, 1989) covers a conference where enthusiasts discussed evidence for Bigfoot, but disagreements arose regarding its nature and the lack of hard scientific evidence.

• "Yacolt family tells tale of Bigfoot" (The Columbian, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, June 7, 1989) reports on Brenda Goldammer and her stepson's sighting of a large, hairy, gorilla-faced creature in the woods behind their home.

• "Let out a yell when she saw the 'Monster'" (Weekly News, Manchester, England, June 17, 1989) describes a potential sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, identified by sonar equipment on a tourist boat.

• "Talking trees? Physicist says it might be so" (Oregonian, Portland, OR, April ?, 1989) introduces physicist Ed Wagner's theory of "W-waves" that trees use to communicate.

• "Tall, dark, hairy creature reportedly roaming rural Laurens County" (News, Greenville, SC, July 28, 1989) details reports of a large, hairy animal sighted in Laurens County, South Carolina.

• "INTERESTING STUFF - WEIRD SOUTH TEXAS PHENOMENA" by Craig Phelon (Express-News, San Antonio, TX, June 4, 1989) covers various phenomena in rural Texas, including UFO sightings and animal mutilations, referencing a case near Calaveras Lake involving lawyer Willie B. Snell.

• "Newsreader's monster hobby" (Courier and Advertiser, Dundee, Scotland, June 10, 1989) profiles Nicholas Witchell, a BBC newsreader who has been researching the Loch Ness Monster for over 20 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained and the paranormal, with a focus on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and mysterious creatures. The articles present various perspectives, from believers and researchers to skeptics and law enforcement officials. There is an underlying theme of questioning official narratives and a call for greater transparency, particularly regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting different viewpoints, and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the human interest and the impact these events have on individuals and communities.