UFO Newsclipping Service - 1990 07 - no 252

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated July 1990, focuses heavily on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, particularly those documented by Ed Walters. The cover story, "Model of UFO found in Gulf Breeze attic," highlights the discovery of a model that critics claim proves the photographs were faked. The issue also includes opinion pieces, witness accounts, and reports on related UFO phenomena from other locations.

Model of UFO Found in Gulf Breeze Attic

The lead article details the discovery of a model flying saucer in the attic of Ed Walters' former home in Gulf Breeze, Florida. The model, constructed from plastic foam plates and drafting paper, closely resembled the UFOs in photographs taken by Walters. The Pensacola News Journal reported the discovery, using the model to create similar photos. Walters denied any knowledge of the model, suggesting it was planted to discredit him. Don Ware of MUFON supported Walters, stating the evidence for his sightings was too overwhelming to be a hoax. Bob and Gloria Reid also defended Walters, believing he was being targeted by debunkers.

Phillip Klass, a prominent debunker, called Walters "a desperate man." Robert Boyd, a former MUFON director, suggested refunds for Walters' book. The new resident of Walters' former home found the model while searching the attic for a pipe.

Weird Sights in the Panhandle Sky

This section reviews the book "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" by Ed and Frances Walters. The book details Walters' reported 20 UFO sightings between November 1987 and May 1988. The review notes that Walters initially refused to identify himself but later gained corroboration from dozens of witnesses. Critics have impugned his story, especially after the discovery of the model UFO. The review mentions the upcoming international UFO conference in Pensacola and highlights the book's direct narrative style. It also contrasts Walters' account with Whitley Strieber's "Communion," suggesting that readers' belief in the book depends on their belief in UFOs.

UFOs Still an Open Question

Bill Knell, spokesman for Island Skywatch, argues that despite government secrecy and media skepticism, UFOs remain an open question. He advocates for the scientific study of UFOs and encourages the public to consider the evidence. Knell believes governments are preparing the public for the reality of UFOs and urges them to release more information. He also notes that while the mass media covers UFOs when they are a hot topic, they often neglect the subject later. Cable television stations are mentioned for airing UFO-related programs.

Experts to Reopen Gulf Breeze UFO Probe

An international UFO organization announced it would reopen its investigation into Ed Walters' claims. MUFON members still believe Walters' photos are legitimate. The decision came after the discovery of the model UFO and statements from the parents of a young man who claimed he saw Walters create fake photos using double exposure. MUFON challenged the accusers to a lie detector test. The accusers' son, Tom Smith, claimed Walters used trick photography and models. MUFON's director, Walt Andrus, stated MUFON supports Walters "100 percent" but is reopening the investigation due to the new allegations.

UFO Model Appears to Be a Fake!

Mayor Ed Gray of Gulf Breeze expresses his strong belief that Ed Walters' UFO sightings were a clever deception. He criticizes Walters for perpetuating a hoax and notes that while many respected citizens have reported sightings, Walters' claims were fabricated. Mayor Gray mentions the book deal and the financial rewards Walters allegedly received. The discovery of the model UFO in Walters' former home's attic is seen as a key break in the case. A young man, later identified as Tommy Smith, came forward with firsthand knowledge of the hoax, detailing how Walters allegedly faked photos using double exposures and models. Smith's parents, Thomas and Jennie Smith, held a press conference to support their son's claims. Mayor Gray also met with Hank Boland, identified as an accomplice who assisted in making some of the photographs. Boland is described as having been drawn into the hoax, possibly starting as a "practical joke."

The article also discusses the model found in Walters' former home, noting it differs from the UFOs in Walters' photographs. Witnesses like Adam Dye and Shirley McConnell state that what they saw did not resemble the model. The article mentions a "ghost photo" Walters took and implies it was also part of the deception.

Debunker Photo Evidence Exposed as Fake

This brief section warns about motivated UFO debunkers creating fake evidence. It mentions fake Gulf Breeze-type UFO photos over the Chrysler Building and others taken in front of Ed Walters' yard, which were implied to be taken by Walters but were later exposed as hoaxes by the real photographers.

Navarre Beach Residents Have UFO Sightings

Reports from Navarre Beach, Florida, describe UFO sightings by the Bridges family and other witnesses. They observed a display of 20-30 lights over the Gulf of Mexico exhibiting rapid, erratic movements. Another sighting involved a family observing a UFO with red, blue, and white lights interacting with an airplane. A third incident described a large orange light hovering over the Gulf for over an hour.

UFO Photographer Getting a Bum Rap

A letter to the editor defends Ed Walters, arguing that his book is a sincere account and that the discovery of the model UFO is irrelevant. The writer points out that 35 other people in Gulf Breeze have seen similar spacecraft and questions the credibility of the person who found the model in the attic. The writer also criticizes the mention of Walters' past prison record.

UFO Spotter Sought by Group

ParaScience International is seeking a man in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, who reported seeing a luminous object and finding a 12-foot crop circle. The organization hopes he can provide information to help solve mysteries concerning similar circles found in Great Britain.

UFO!... Coming To The Vanderbilt Planetarium

The Vanderbilt Museum's Planetarium is featuring a summer sky show titled "UFO!" that explores the question of extraterrestrial visitation. The show covers topics such as the Roswell Incident, the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, and recent experiences like Whitley Strieber's. It presents pros and cons on various UFO issues without taking a definitive stance. Related lectures and debates are scheduled.

Gloved One's Alien Landing Pad

This brief article reports on Michael Jackson allegedly scouting locations in the Nevada desert for a high-tech landing pad for UFOs, according to Michael Luckman of the New York Center for UFO Research. Jackson's publicist denies the report. The article notes a perceived affinity between rock stars and UFOs, citing John Lennon and David Bowie.

UFO Visitors Left 'Pancakes' for Eagle River Man

This piece recounts the 1961 incident where Joseph Simonton, an Eagle River plumber, claimed a flying saucer landed on his property. He described interacting with three occupants who gave him three "pancakes." The story gained national attention, and Simonton became a speaker at UFO events. The article notes that Simonton always maintained his story was true until his death in 1972.

Smith Says He Saw Pictures Faked

This article details a telephone interview with Tommy Smith, who claims he witnessed Ed Walters faking UFO photographs using double exposures and models. Smith, who initially used the pseudonym "Chris," identified his parents, Thomas and Jennie Smith, as also supporting his claims. Smith described the construction of the model UFO and the techniques Walters allegedly used, including a tripod, flashlight, and PVC pipe. He also mentioned the "ghost photos" and a video tape about Billy Meier. Smith stated he refused to take photos to the Sentinel because he believed it was fraud and he didn't want to hurt his father's reputation.

Former Editor Sure He Saw What Ed Photographed

Charlie and Dori Somerby, witnesses from Gulf Breeze, recount their own sighting of an object similar to those photographed by Ed Walters on November 11, 1987. They describe seeing a soundless object with a blue beam of light. They note that their experience occurred shortly before Walters' photos were published and that they were surprised their experience wasn't reported in the local news. They express skepticism towards Mayor Ed Gray's dismissal of the sightings and question the motives of critics like Phillip Klass. They also mention receiving a solar calculator from a Japanese television network for their assistance.

Walters Passes 4th Lie Detector Test; Says Photos Real

This article reports that Ed Walters passed a psychological stress evaluation and a fourth lie detector test. He maintains that the UFO model found in his former home was planted to discredit him and that his photographs are real. Walters disputes Tommy Smith's allegations, analyzing the photos and claiming Smith's story is inconsistent. He suggests Smith's father may have been upset by something related to Walters' claims. The article also mentions that Phil Klass, Willy Smith, Bob Boyd, and Zan Overall have tried to discredit the sightings, and that Boyd was removed from MUFON duties for providing false information.

Visitors from Outer Space?

This brief item introduces a new 900-line telephone service that offers information on UFOs and extraterrestrial topics, aiming to expose people to a world allegedly ignored or covered up by the mainstream press and the U.S. government.

Sides seem contradictory as controversy continues

This section summarizes the ongoing controversy, noting that Ed Walters' book is selling well and that the upcoming MUFON symposium is expected to draw a large crowd. It highlights the conflicting accounts and the difficulty in discerning the truth.

Pilot Says He Saw UFO Hovering

This article reports on Lawrence Akers, a farmer near Belgrade, Missouri, who believes a crop circle pattern in his hay field was made by a UFO. He describes the pattern as a "wagon wheel" with indentations. UFO investigators are examining the site. Akers dismisses natural explanations like fungus or fire, stating the hay is dead only in the pattern.

UFOs: Big Business

This article focuses on the economic impact of the 21st Annual International Symposium of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in Pensacola. Hotels are filling up, and local entrepreneurs are selling UFO-themed merchandise. The symposium is expected to generate significant revenue for Pensacola. MUFON is described as the world's largest UFO investigation organization. The event has sold out in advance, attracting attendees from across the country.

UFO model confirms disbelief of some, others say it doesn't resemble photos

This article presents varied reactions to the discovery of the model UFO. Shirley McConnell, who claims to have seen a UFO in 1988, states that the object she saw looked like Walters' photos but not like the model. Others, like George Huelsbeck, express uncertainty, while Allan Davis believes the affair is a hoax. Some argue that the model lacks details present in Walters' book pictures. The article notes that the controversy did not appear to boost book sales on the day of reporting.

Brentwood woman has close encounter

Cuca Diaz of Brentwood, California, claims to have had a close encounter with several unidentified flying objects, which she captured on videotape. She describes seeing five lights flashing green, red, and white, exhibiting unusual movements. Her dog Rocky barked at the objects. Diaz believes the lights were different from those on airplanes or helicopters. The video revealed a red light flashing, which she found unsettling. She speculates it could be government experimentation.

Mystery Pattern In Field Is UFO Imprint, Farmer Believes

This article details Lawrence Akers' belief that a crop circle pattern in his hay field near Belgrade, Missouri, was created by a UFO. He describes the pattern as a "wagon wheel" and notes indentations that he attributes to landing skids. UFO investigators are examining the site, with one stating it is "potentially UFO-logical."

Ed Walters told truth about UFO sightings

This letter to the editor, written by Donald M. Ware, defends Ed Walters, stating that the UFO model is unrelated to his photographs and that MUFON's investigation supports Walters' claims. Ware criticizes Craig Myers' article for inaccuracies and mentions that Boyd was removed from MUFON for providing false information. He suggests that the evidence concerning Gulf Breeze UFOs is available for purchase or borrowing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Gulf Breeze UFO incident, the controversy surrounding Ed Walters' photographs, and the debate between believers and debunkers. There's a strong emphasis on witness testimony, the role of media in reporting on UFO phenomena, and the challenges of verifying such claims. The issue also touches upon other UFO sightings and related topics, such as crop circles and alleged alien abductions, suggesting a broad interest in the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints, from strong belief and defense of witnesses to skepticism and accusations of hoaxing, reflecting the divided nature of the UFO community and the public's fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of the Antelope Valley Press, dated June 28, 1990, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs and related phenomena. The main cover story, "UFOS: Area group examines the possibilities of existence," by Sherry Roush, introduces the local chapter of the UFO Contact Center International. The article highlights that members are not 'kooks' but individuals seeking to understand and discuss their experiences with UFOs without fear of ridicule. Arleen Caskey, a founder, explains that people are coming forward more often, with some recalling past experiences. UFO researcher Bill Hamilton suggests the Antelope Valley is a high UFO concentration area due to the presence of aerospace industries, theorizing it attracts alien interest. The article also touches on various sightings reported by locals, including descriptions of glowing objects, boomerang-shaped craft, and oval-shaped lights moving at high speeds.

Charlie's Corner

In "Charlie's Corner," by Charlie and Dori Somerby, the authors recount their personal sighting of a UFO over Gulf Breeze, Florida, on Veterans Day 1987. They address skepticism due to their proximity to Ed Walters' photographs and the timing of their sighting. They express their belief in the sincerity of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) investigators and criticize Mayor Ed Gray for his dismissive comments about the MUFON investigators' objectivity and expertise. The column emphasizes that their disclosure was not for personal gain but out of a desire to share their experience, which they are certain was not a hoax.

Foreign News: Crop Circles and UFOs

Several articles from various international newspapers explore the phenomenon of "crop circles." A Sunday Express article by Neville Hodgkinson reports on scientists making a fresh effort to solve the mystery of crop circles, with a study center set up in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Theories range from whirlwinds and UFOs to hoaxes. The POST, Yorkshire, England, features an investigation by Chris Benfield into the crop circle controversy, noting publishers are releasing books on the subject and that an international conference is planned. Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller's book, "Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved," suggests alien involvement is not the cause. Andy Roberts' book, "Phantoms of the Sky," also discusses the topic.

Articles from the WESTERN DAILY PRESS and WEEKLY NEWS detail the efforts of a four-man amateur team who have spent £50,000 to solve the crop circle puzzle. Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, among others, are convinced the circles are created by an "unknown intelligence." They have documented increasingly complex patterns and suggest a link to UFO sightings and electromagnetic effects on the brain. The Mail, Oxford, England, reports on an international conference at Oxford Polytechnic where experts discussed crop circles, with pilot Busty Taylor presenting video evidence. The Journal, Oxford, England, highlights a UFO group's meeting discussing sightings and scientific proof.

The phenomenon of crop circles is also linked to UFOs in articles from the Evening Leader, Wrexham, England, and the Rhyl & Prestatyn Visitor, Wales. Ms. Pat Twigg suggests fungus as a possible cause for scorched rings on a Welsh farm, while other local ufologists are intrigued. The North Wales Pioneer reports an expert will probe a farm UFO link to scorched circles. The Daily Star features Chad Jackson, a musician, who claims to have seen circles after encountering a bright light in the woods.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Further sightings are reported in the Somerset County Gazette, Taunton, England, concerning a "great ball of fire" over Taunton, with the RAF confirming radar tracking. The Southern Evening Echo, Essex, England, discusses UFO investigators who have studied thousands of encounters, with some people claiming to have seen "grey aliens" and even experienced abductions. Ron West, founder of the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association, notes that while many sightings are explained, 387 people reported unexplained phenomena, with 26 claiming to have seen aliens.

The Sunday Mail, Australia, reports on a "flying moon" object seen over Dungloe, Ireland, described as moon-sized with golden light. The Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester, England, features a sighting by Len Haffenden of a "shuttlecock in the sky," linking it to UFO activity in the region. The Yorkshire Gazette discusses the mystery of crop circles and their potential link to UFOs.

The Daily Post, Liverpool, England, reports on a "mystery circle" appearing in Cheshire, with electricity outages preceding its discovery. The Sun, Melbourne, Australia, details UFO researchers investigating "weird, unexplained markings" in Victorian paddocks that bear a likeness to patterns on Mars. The Hertfordshire Mercury discusses a "conspiracy of silence" over UFOs, with expert Timothy Good claiming governments worldwide are covering up information.

Other Cryptozoology and Science News

Beyond UFOs, the Observer, Charlotte, NC, reports on the search for a "wild man" in China's Shennonjia Forest, with analyses of purported hairs suggesting a primate not matching any known species. The Scotsman, San Francisco, CA, discusses a congressional debate that threatened to cut funding for SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence), with the House of Representatives voting to eliminate funds, sparking debate about government priorities and the search for extraterrestrial life.

The Scotsman also features a team of climbers heading to the Himalayas hoping to see the Abominable Snowman. The Dispatch, Columbus, OH, details a climbing expedition aiming to ascend Mount Menlungtse, with the potential to encounter the Yeti. The Somerset County Gazette reports on further sightings of a "great ball of fire" over Taunton, UK, with the RAF confirming radar tracking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, with scientific investigation and public skepticism. There's a recurring theme of potential government cover-ups and a desire for transparency. The articles highlight the efforts of both amateur and professional researchers attempting to understand these mysteries. While some theories lean towards natural explanations or hoaxes, many contributors and individuals interviewed express a strong belief in the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. The publication seems to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and evidence without definitively concluding on the nature of these phenomena, but leaning towards the possibility of genuine unexplained events.