UFO Newsclipping Service - 1989 12 - no 245

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated December 1989, presents a collection of recent reports and investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The service, based in Plumerville, Arkansas, and co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke, aims to compile and disseminate information on UFO sightings from various sources.

Shiny Ball Over Mississippi Raises New UFO Speculation

This article, by David Snyder of Newhouse News Service, details a sighting by pilot Bill Kimmel near Greenville, Mississippi. Kimmel, an experienced pilot, described a "shiny object that resembled a giant steel ball" hurtling through the air at high speed, approximately 800-900 mph and 200 feet below his left wing. He noted its size was about twice that of a light twin-engine airplane, with no cockpit or wings. The object disappeared quickly. Other witnesses in the Greenville area, including crop duster Lee Abide Jr., also reported seeing similar objects. The article also mentions UFO sightings occurring 84 miles northwest in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where deputies reported seeing objects hovering at treetop level and displaying blue haze or lights. Charles Hemann from the University of Arkansas Planetarium suggests Venus might be mistaken for a UFO, but witnesses insist the objects were much closer.

Aliens Take a Shine to Mountain Getaway

This report from the Rocky Mountain News by Bill Husted covers UFO sightings in Crested Butte, Colorado. Police Officer Carole Ann Brady reported seeing a "red haze" and brilliant white lights shooting up from the ground. The article notes a UFO conference held in Aspen concurrently. Local councilman Jim Deli suggests it might be the northern lights, while resident mystic Henrietta Raines claims to have had encounters with ETs. The article humorously concludes that mountain towns are where people go to get away from it all.

Unusual Lights Sighted Across Howell County

By Michelle Beth Katzenell of the News-Leader, this article details reports of unusual lights in Howell County, Missouri. Sheriff's officials received over a dozen calls about flashing colored lights. Chief dispatcher Keith Weaver described a "circular object with multicolored lighting revolving very quickly," observed at an altitude of 8,000 to 12,000 feet. A National Weather Service official confirmed no meteor shower was occurring. Similar sightings were reported in West Plains, Missouri, and authorities contacted Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base without explanation. Reports of fireballs near Kansas City International Airport and lights in McPherson County, Kansas, are also mentioned, with an FAA spokesman suggesting they might have been meteors or space junk.

Woman Tells of UFO in '73 on U.S. 31

This article from the News, Birmingham, AL, by Frank Sikora, recounts the experience of Cynthia Vodovoz, who claims an alien encounter on U.S. 31 near Gardendale in October 1973. She underwent hypnosis years later, recalling a "thin thing" and "whitish looking" creatures taking her aboard a craft. Her father, an FAA employee, initially dismissed it as a rocket test. Vodovoz later met with UFO investigator Budd Hopkins, who placed her under hypnosis, revealing details of the encounter, including being taken aboard a craft and undergoing an examination. She wishes to find other witnesses from that night.

UFOs... Exploring the E.T. Phenomenon

By William L. Moore, this piece explores the author's interpretation of the UFO evidence, categorizing it into four main points: a highly advanced civilization visiting Earth, government awareness and classified projects, a long-term disinformation campaign by U.S. intelligence agencies, and manipulation by aliens themselves. Moore suggests a combination of these explanations is likely, and that the government's UFO cover-up is essentially an awareness of what UFOs are by a few high-ranking individuals. He questions whether the public is better off knowing or not knowing and suggests a Congressional investigation might be necessary.

Cigar Shaped UFO Sighted Over Naval Live Oaks

A report from the Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL, describes a resident's sighting of a "big beige cigar shaped object with lights on both ends and a light on top" descending into trees in Naval Live Oaks. The craft was described as glowing, silent, and about 20 to 40 feet long.

UFOs: Invasion of the Mind-Snatchers

This article from the Wall Street Journal by Dave Shiflett discusses Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret: The World UFO Cover-Up." It touches on historical sightings, including the 1942 Los Angeles "Battle of L.A.," and mentions public figures like Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter who expressed interest in UFO investigations. The article also references Whitley Strieber's novel "Majestic," which deals with a reported 1947 UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico.

Alien Kidnap Victims View 'Communion'

This Chronicle, San Francisco, CA, report notes that "Communion," based on Whitley Strieber's abduction accounts, was screened for groups of "abductees and contactees." Lorie Barnes, Strieber's secretary and a self-proclaimed abductee, stated that these individuals were rounded up via "Communion" network groups.

Area Residents Report UFOs

This ERA, Bradford, PA, article by P. Johnson details reports of unidentified flying objects in the Bradford area. Joan Jeffers, a UFO investigator, received calls about bright red lights and objects hovering at airplane altitude. One report mentioned a TV going out during the sighting. Another sighting involved two unidentified objects described as bright lights near the Big Dipper.

Illinois Newspaper's Close Encounter

This report from the Rockford Register Star explains an incident where a practical joke led to a false headline about "Aliens Spotted Near Rockford." The story was unintentionally inserted by a fired employee.

Couple Relates Other-worldly Tale to Crowd

This Herald, Miami, FL, article by Dan Keating features Leilani and Dan Dearing, who shared their alleged experience of traveling on an alien spaceship. They described beings with pointy noses and yellow-gold skin. The Dearings are preparing for "mass landings of the 'people of light' in 1992" and are spreading messages they receive telepathically from Pleiadians.

Residents Describe Sightings of UFO

This Daily Times, Harrison, AR, article by Jeff Holt details sightings by Joanne Wilson and Debbie Underwood of a red-orange light with columns of light scanning the ground. The object stopped and reappeared. The women reported feeling different after the experience, and Joanne's truck clock was six hours off. Photos taken by Debbie Underwood reportedly showed a large structure near the object. The article also mentions a sighting by Dr. Lynn Keener of an orange light on the horizon.

Close Encounter of the Hillsboro Kind

This Sentry Enterprise, Hillsboro, WI, report by Steven J. Stanek describes Betty and Harley Pliner witnessing a "large lighted object hovering above some trees" that was stationary, silent, and covered with red and blue blinking lights. They estimate they watched it for nearly five minutes.

Local Writer Recalls Close UFO Encounter

This article by Roland Bartels for the Sunday Special describes the author's own sighting of an oval, silvery object on the Nauman road near Advance, Missouri. The object reportedly soared into the air when he approached. The author expresses frustration with official explanations and the ridicule faced by witnesses.

Friendly Aliens? UND Prof Says Encounter Helped His Life

This Herald, Grand Forks, ND, article by Steve Schmidt profiles UND professor John Salter, who claims a "friendly visit with extraterrestrial beings" in Wisconsin and Illinois in March 1988. Salter reports numerous physical changes, including increased energy, optimism, and psychic sensitivity, attributing them to a "transplant" from the visitors. He also reports quitting smoking after 35 years. The article mentions his correspondence with Betty and Barney Hill, known for their 1961 UFO encounter.

Gulf Breeze Man Sees Another UFO

This News-Journal, Pensacola, FL, report by Michael Burke details Gulf Breeze businessman Ed Walters, known for his UFO photographs, taking new photos of a glowing red light in the night sky over Pensacola. Walters, who had previously reported numerous sightings, feels more comfortable identifying himself now.

Close Encounters of the Soviet Kind

This letter to the editor of The Times, New York, NY, by Whitley Strieber, discusses the Soviet UFO landing report. Strieber notes the absurdity and anomaly in the description of the aliens and suggests the UFO phenomenon cannot be explained prosaically, possibly involving entities of considerable intelligence or aspects of mind not yet understood.

Object in Night Sky Causes Stir in Area

This Register Citizen, Torrington-Winsted, CT, article by Don Corbett reports sightings of "strange lights" that police identified as possibly ultralights flying in formation. Witnesses described the objects as diamond-shaped with rows of lights and making a humming noise.

"Communion" Author Plays Role of 'Questioner'

This Democrat Staff Writer article by Susan Pierce discusses author Whitley Strieber's perspective on UFO phenomena. Strieber states he wants to be a "questioner" rather than an advocate and is satisfied with the emotional accuracy and ambiguity of the film adaptation of "Communion." He has written three books on the subject and feels finished with the topic after the film's release.

UFO Stuff

This section from the Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL, by Charlie Somerby, reviews Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-up" and mentions the Gulf Breeze UFO case. It also discusses the booklet "The Startling UFO Files."

Ridicule Fear Clouds UFOs

This Oregonian, Portland, OR, article by Spencer Heinz discusses the Portland UFO Group (PUFOG) and their monthly meetings. It highlights the frustration of believers when sightings are dismissed and mentions psychic healer Steve Merrick and UFO researcher Bill Keenan. The article touches on the phenomenon of "missing time" and the recording of unusual sounds associated with UFOs.

For Some, Friday the 13th Came a Little Early

This Quill, West Plains, MO, article by Julie Warner reports on sightings of unidentified flying objects in the West Plains area. Dispatcher Keith Weaver observed a doughnut-shaped object with flashing lights. While one light was identified as the planet Venus, the nature of the second object remained unclear.

Paper's UFO Article 'Neat' Explanation

This News-Leader, Springfield, MO, letter to the editor comments on a previous article explaining mysterious lights. The writer expresses skepticism about conventional explanations for UFOs, citing personal observations of objects behaving unlike airplanes.

They're Here? Who Are You Going to Call If You Encounter a UFO?

This Press, Asbury Park, NJ, article by John A. Harnes discusses the history of UFO reports and the skepticism they often face. It mentions a 1988 sighting in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and the FAA's inability to confirm it on radar. The article also touches on the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained and its efforts to investigate UFO reports.

Tulsa, Area Residents Mystified by Lights Hovering in Night Sky

This Tulsa World article reports on sightings of strange, colored lights over northeast Oklahoma. Tulsa Fire Capt. Jim White described two colored lights, while Commerce residents reported seeing five lights of changing colors. Police and weather officials were unable to provide explanations.

Close Encounters Of The Queens Kind

This Tribune, Flushing, NY, article by Ron Levovitz profiles Bill Knell, a UFO investigator who approaches the subject scientifically. Knell discusses his hobby of investigating UFO cases, his own sighting of a bright ball of light, and his research into "landing sights" like circular patches of grass. The article also mentions the Kissena Park sighting and the investigation by Parks Commissioner Henry Stern.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges faced by witnesses in being believed, the efforts of various individuals and organizations to investigate these sightings, and the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the reported phenomena and investigations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the complexity and mystery surrounding UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings from diverse locations and perspectives, from pilot accounts to civilian reports and researcher investigations. The service seems dedicated to compiling a comprehensive record of UFO-related news and experiences.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated October 21, 1989, focuses on a prominent UFO case involving the disappearance of pilot Fred Valentich and explores other UFO sightings and related phenomena.

'This blob stole my fiance''

The lead story details the 1978 disappearance of pilot Fred Valentich over Bass Strait, Australia. His former girlfriend, Rhonda Rushton, is convinced he was abducted by a UFO, breaking her silence after 11 years. Valentich's last radio transmission described a strange aircraft hovering over his plane and a metallic clicking noise before communication was lost. No wreckage was ever found, and the official investigation concluded the reason for the disappearance was undetermined.

Rushton's conviction is bolstered by photographic evidence. Melbourne man Roy Manifold captured an image of an unidentified object shooting out of the water and flying over Bass Strait around the time of Valentich's disappearance. Computer analysis of Manifold's negatives by the Civilian Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation in Arizona found no evidence of a hoax, concluding the object was a solid metallic structure capped by a bright disc. Rushton believes this object matches Valentich's description and that the UFO took the entire plane, explaining the lack of wreckage.

She also recounts Valentich's belief in extraterrestrial life, stating he thought it arrogant to assume humans were alone in the galaxy and that he would have wanted to go with a UFO if one showed itself. Paul Norman of the Victorian UFO Research Society notes that the Valentich case is one of many such encounters and that while the exact cause of disappearance is unknown, the UFO likely played a role.

Little green men sightings flood Hungary

Following reports from the Soviet Union, Hungary has also experienced a wave of UFO sightings and encounters with 'little green men.' Air force pilots in Kecskemét reported being followed by a strange, spherical, orange-coloured flying object not detected by radar. In the same area, two soldiers witnessed a fluorescent green figure, about 1.2 meters tall, who beamed himself into space. A reddish deposit was left behind, similar to reports from Voronezh, Russia. A farmer in Gyomaendrod reported seeing two long-eared little green men who paralyzed him with an unknown power before disappearing.

UFO mystery

This section compiles several reports of unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on circular markings in fields.

Karekare, New Zealand

A strange circular marking, about 3 meters in diameter, appeared in a raupo swamp near Karekare beach. The reeds were flattened in a circular pattern, appearing woven in an anti-clockwise swirl. Eyewitnesses noted the pattern was similar to those reported overseas. Bruce Cathie, a UFO researcher, believes it could be made by a mechanical object, possibly an anti-gravity craft, but suggests it might be piloted by humans testing craft or alien craft found by humans. Physicist Dr. Terence Meaden offers a natural explanation: the "plasma vortex phenomenon," a spinning ball of air charged with electricity that flattens crops.

Wycke Hill, Maldon, England

Eve Joyce reported seeing a large mass of light, bigger than her house, with little lights in it, hovering near Spital Road. It was yellow and seemed stationary before disappearing. A neighbor also saw strange lights on the hill. Possible explanations include gypsies, but Mrs. Joyce is convinced it was a flying saucer.

Downs, England

Author Cecile Woodford witnessed a pear-shaped UFO plummeting towards the earth and bursting into flames near the Downs. After the crash, odd lights were seen flitting around the site before disappearing. A local museum owner heard a loud metallic explosion around the same time. No wreckage was found, and the Ministry of Defence offered no explanation.

Laindon, England

Mr. Milner reported seeing a large, round, stationary object with flashing red, white, and green lights circling its base at about 1,000 meters altitude. The object made no noise and then shot upwards. A similar sighting was reported by Mr. and Mrs. Steven Harrison.

Argyle, Manitoba, Canada

An almost perfect circle was gouged out of Ray Crawford's land, with no sign of human involvement. Investigators are stumped, with theories ranging from bizarre weather to extraterrestrial visitors. Similar circles have been found in rural Manitoba and England. Physicist Terrence Meaden's "plasma vortex phenomenon" theory is mentioned.

UFO caught on film

This article highlights a significant UFO case from Thame, England, in 1973, where Peter Day filmed an orange ball of light travelling low across the sky. Experts, including Jenny Randles, consider this film to be genuine evidence of a UFO. The report notes the film was taken at 9 am, while an F-111 plane crashed nearby at 9:46 am. While the report dismisses the film showing the crashing plane, it considers a connection between the two events, suggesting the UFO might have caused the jet to crash.

UFOs are for real, insists US expert

Stanton Friedman, an American nuclear physicist, asserts that flying saucers are a real phenomenon. He will give a lecture on the subject and discusses a 1957 incident where two USAF fighter planes were scrambled to intercept a UFO that invaded US airspace. Pilot Milton Torres reported the UFO outran his plane at supersonic speeds, and the incident was allegedly covered up by the US government.

Other UFO Sightings

Several other brief reports of UFO sightings are included:

• Budapest, Hungary: Meteorologists sighted four large, bright-orange unidentified flying objects.
• Brussels, Belgium: Air force and police are investigating numerous UFO sightings near the border with the Netherlands and West Germany, with reports of luminous objects and radar blips.
• Mid-Essex, England: Reports of saucer and triangular shaped objects with red, green, and white lights, including a diamond-shaped craft.
• Leicestershire, England: Mr. P. Bailey witnessed a large ring of light moving over the Leicester Forest East area.
• Wiltshire, England: An eyewitness account of a corn circle being formed, supporting Dr. Terence Meaden's vortex theory.
• South East Essex, England: Sightings of dome-shaped objects with red, green, and white lights, and rectangular objects.
• Colchester, England: A pear-shaped UFO was seen plummeting towards the earth and bursting into flames.

Bigfoot sightings

This section includes reports of Bigfoot sightings:

• Maryland, USA: Several sightings of a hairy, brownish-black creature, described as 3 to 4 feet tall with long arms, have been reported. Researchers are attempting to remain objective amid these reports.
• The Dalles, Oregon, USA: Seven individuals reported seeing an elusive creature, estimated to be 8-10 feet tall, on a hillside. A large boulder that appeared to have been moved was also found.
• Idabel, Oklahoma, USA: Holly Schachle photographed strange 22-inch tracks found near Cattle Crossing, with theories ranging from Bigfoot to other unknown causes.

Other Mysteries

• Dozens of Cats Killed, Fears Spread in Suburb (Tustin, California): Numerous cats have been found mutilated, leading to fears of satanic cults or youth gangs. Authorities, however, suggest urbanized coyotes as the more likely culprits.
• 'Martian metropolis' MYSTERY: Startling pictures from the Soviet Phobos space probe show a city-like structure and an oval shadow on Mars, intensifying the mystery of the planet.
• The mysterious Bermuda Triangle: The article discusses the history of disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, from Christopher Columbus to modern aviation disasters, exploring theories of electromagnetic waves, atmospheric aberrations, and hoaxes.
• Champ Spotted Three Times This Summer: Reports of sightings of a creature in Lake Champlain, described as having humps and a head, are detailed.
• No Nonsense From Nessie: An article about Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, possibly writing her autobiography and the discovery of an airtight Perspex cylinder containing an unknown white powder in Loch Ness.
• A monster headache: Scientists are baffled by an airtight Perspex cylinder containing an unknown white powder found in Loch Ness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and mysteries, including alleged alien encounters, strange lights, crop circles, and cryptid sightings like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts, and encouraging further investigation and public awareness, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and natural explanations where applicable. The magazine aims to cover a wide range of unusual events and mysteries reported in the news.