UFO Newsclipping Service - 1990 10 - no 255

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated October 1990, Number 255, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of mysterious circles appearing in crop fields, particularly in the Bates City and Odessa, Missouri areas. The magazine also touches upon other UFO sightings, academic study of the subject, and historical cases.

Circles in Field at Heart of a Mystery

The lead story details the appearance of two mysterious circles in a sorghum field owned by Roger and Lynda Lowe near Odessa and Bates City, Missouri. The circles, formed by flattened stalks, have attracted significant public attention, with dozens of people visiting the site. While some speculate about UFOs, others, including Roger Lowe, believe the phenomenon was caused by winds or whirlwinds. Terry Henning, a local resident, expressed disbelief at the event, stating he had never seen anything like it in his life. Power outages were reported in the Odessa area on the night the circles appeared, though the Lowe farm was unaffected. National Weather Service data indicated only moderate winds at the time. UFO investigators Thomas Nicholl, Erich Aggen Jr., and Monty Skelton visited the site, collecting samples for laboratory analysis. Skelton noted that if a heavy craft had landed, stalks would have been broken, but also stated it wasn't wind. Lynda Lowe estimated the loss of crop at about $2,000. Roger Lowe expressed frustration with the attention, calling it "a pain."

Odd Aircraft Spotted In West

This section reports on sightings of large, quiet, triangular wing-shaped aircraft of unknown origin near Air Force bases in California and other western US locations, as reported by Aviation Week and Space Technology. Another aircraft, producing a loud roar similar to heavy rocket engines, has also been observed. The Air Force declined to confirm or deny if these were new warplanes. The publication suggested the triangular craft could be prototypes of the Air Force B-2 or Navy A-12 aircraft. The B-2 is described as a "stealth" bomber, while the A-12 has not yet been displayed. Observers described the triangular craft as "fairly flat" with a rounded nose and wingtips, and possibly no vertical tail surfaces. One observer in Nevada described its shape as "like a manta ray." At least 11 sightings of the triangular craft were reported near Edwards Air Force Base and one near Fresno, California, with other sightings in central Nevada. The loud "pulser" aircraft, named for its pulsating sound, was described as flying a southwest to northwest track near Edwards Air Force Base and the China Lake Naval Weapon Center. This routing suggests the aircraft might be returning from test areas off the western US coast. A companion article mentioned research aircraft from Nevada sites with "exotic propulsion and aerodynamic schemes." Col. Joe Purka, an Air Force public affairs officer, declined to comment.

UFO mania hits Odessa

This article from The Odessan newspaper elaborates on the media attention surrounding the crop circles in Odessa, Missouri. Photographer Sandra Lines discovered the circles while looking for wildflowers and subsequently alerted the media. The article notes that the circles have become a tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to see the site. Roger Lowe maintains that whirlwinds caused the crop to fall, attributing it to the heavy tassles of the seven-foot-tall sorghum. His daughter, Dusty Lowe, also believes wind was the cause. Sandra Lines, however, feels she was led to Odessa for a "cosmic plan." Eric Aggen Jr. of the Mutual UFO Network believes the circles were UFO-created, citing similarities to patterns found in England and reports of bright lights in the sky during the time of the incident. Power outages in the area were also noted. Aggen measured the larger circle at 125 feet in diameter and the smaller one at 30 feet. Samples of the crops and soil were taken for analysis. Lines speculated that a UFO might have used the sorghum as fuel. The article also mentions a government car being present at the site.

More puzzling circles found in fields

This article expands on the crop circle phenomenon, reporting similar incidents in three other fields: two in Kansas and one in Missouri. Ruth McCahon of Raytown described a circle in her sorghum field. Meteorologists speculate that atmospheric disturbances, such as microbursts or spinning winds (dust devils), could be responsible. Glen Marotz, a meteorologist, explained that these phenomena are caused by temperature differences creating swirling winds. Barry Karr, spokesman for Skeptical Inquirer, stated that crop circles have been occurring in England since the early 1980s and that his organization is dedicated to debunking UFO sightings. Philip Klass, a member of the organization, expressed certainty that there are no alien visitors in Earth's skies. The article notes that the circles are near roads and trees, and no trees lost limbs, which would be expected in a strong wind event. Farmers also state that no crop disease could have caused the damage, and no tire tracks or footprints were found. Witnesses reported hearing or seeing nothing unusual.

UFO Sidebar

This sidebar discusses the significance of UFOs, comparing them to scientific revelations like the Earth not being the center of the universe. It mentions the ongoing interest in the Gulf Breeze Sightings and the authors' decision to stay out of the media frenzy.

Doubters

This section presents skepticism from Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, residents regarding the possibility of a UFO or meteor landing in the woods in December 1965. Property owners in the area are reluctant to cooperate with film crews and researchers, fearing a media circus. The article suggests that those who believe in the UFO version of events are not fabricating a story but are recounting their experiences, despite potential ridicule.

Salter draws large audience with extra-terrestrial class

This article from the Dakota Student reports on Professor John R. Salter, Jr.'s UFO class at the University of North Dakota (UND). The class, "UFOs, ETs and Close Encounters," is in its first year and has a large enrollment of 151 students. Salter, who claims to have had four UFO encounters, describes the class as an "orderly and studied sensitization project" to acquaint humans with the "nearby presence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life forms." The course includes films, hypnosis tapes, and printed literature, with mid-term and final exams. Salter and his son, John III, claim to have been abducted by an alien life form in 1988, experiencing lost time and vivid memories of the encounter. Salter also recalls encounters with smaller humanoids and a taller humanoid figure. He believes these encounters were "friendly" and beneficial.

Corydon residents take up stargazing after UFO sightings

Residents of Corydon, Indiana, have reportedly taken up stargazing following continued UFO sightings. School teachers, nurses, counselors, students, a sheriff's deputy, and a high school principal are among those who claim to have seen UFOs near Corydon. Janet Reising described seeing objects of varying colors, shapes, and sizes, including a round, amber-colored object and a cigar-shaped object. She also reported seeing a rectangular-shaped object that separated into three triangles. Reising has compiled a list of over 300 people who claim to have seen UFOs in the area. Sightings often occur at night, but some have been reported during daylight hours. Several people claim to have been followed by lights.

Derry man irked by UFO skeptics

James Romansky of Derry, Pennsylvania, expresses frustration with Kecksburg property owners who dismiss his account of witnessing a UFO landing in 1965 as a hoax. Romansky, who was an 18-year-old fireman at the time, described the object as an acorn-shaped, metal craft with strange symbols. He claims military personnel ordered him and other firemen away from the scene, and a military transport truck later removed a tarpaulin-covered object. Property owners are circulating a petition to cancel an upcoming "Unsolved Mysteries" segment about the incident, fearing it will attract unwanted attention. Romansky maintains his account is truthful and that his and another witness's descriptions were remarkably similar.

Mysterious circles may be caused by 'dust devils'

This article from the Star-Phoenix reports on crop circles appearing in Kansas and Missouri, similar to those seen in England and Saskatchewan. Farmers are unsure of the cause. Meteorologists suggest atmospheric disturbances like dust devils or microbursts. Barry Karr of Skeptical Inquirer states that crop circles have been occurring in England since the 1980s and that his organization debunks UFO sightings. Philip Klass of the same organization is certain there are no alien visitors. Glen Marotz, a meteorologist, explains that atmospheric energy imbalances can create spinning vortices. The article notes that trees near the circles did not lose limbs, and no tire tracks or footprints were found. Witnesses reported hearing or seeing nothing unusual.

Saw downed UFO, Derry man says

This article from the Tribune-Review provides further details on James Robert Romansky's account of witnessing a UFO landing near Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, in 1965. Romansky, a machinist, described the object as an acorn-shaped metal craft, about 8 feet in diameter and 12 feet long, with strange symbols. He claims military personnel ordered him away from the scene, and a military transport truck later removed the object. Romansky decided to reveal his identity after being contacted by NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries."

"The Watchers" (Book Review)

This book review discusses Raymond E. Fowler's book "The Watchers," which details alleged alien abductions of Betty Andreasson Luca. The review describes pale, fragile extraterrestrials who take humans to laboratories inside flying saucers for medical and sexual experiments, purportedly to aid in reproduction due to their own difficulties or to help humanity. The review expresses skepticism about the "non-fiction" claims, questioning the validity of hypnotically triggered recollections and the lack of physical evidence beyond scars. The reviewer sarcastically offers to volunteer for alien encounters.

Walters' son defends UFO story

E. Daniel Hanson II, son of Ed and Frances Walters, defends his parents' account of UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, as presented in their book "The Gulf Breeze Sightings." He asserts that the events described are true and that he has never borrowed or read UFO books, nor seen any UFO models or double exposure photographs.

PSU may have investigated UFOs

This article from the Daily Collegian reports on a new book co-authored by University alumnus T. Scott Crain, Jr., which suggests that former University president Eric A. Walker may have attended secret government meetings about UFO investigations in the 1950s. Walker denies any knowledge of such involvement. Crain alleges that Walker's book contains evidence of his participation and that Walker still holds security clearances. The book reportedly discusses "Operation Majestic Twelve," a secret project to oversee UFO crash recovery operations. Crain believes the U.S. government has teams to recover and analyze unknown aerial objects and to duplicate alien technology.

UFOlogists convene, reveal tales of close encounters

This article from the News, Federal Way, WA, covers a conference held by the UFO Contact Center International (UFO CCI) in West Seattle. About 50 believers attended, sharing personal experiences of contact with extraterrestrials. Gerald Bringle, co-director of UFO CCI, described classic contact experiences including lost time, memory restoration under hypnosis, and skin wounds containing implants. Eva Zara described negative experiences with "etheric beings." The conference also highlighted the idea of multiple extraterrestrial civilizations with benign motives, as presented in Billy Meier's books. Researchers Chris Bader and Thomas Layne are studying the psychological effects of alleged alien abduction.

'Streak of green, lights' UFO sighting reported at Lake Tamarack

This article from the New Jersey Herald reports on a sighting by a couple at Lake Tamarack, New Jersey, of an unidentified flying object early Monday morning. Lois McRoberts described an object hovering near their home, which appeared as a "streak of green at an angle with a cut out square at the bottom center." The object pulsed and moved slowly. Walter Zamorski of the National Weather Service suggested it could have been a weather satellite or space junk. Robert Jones of Vestigia, a group that investigates unexplained phenomena, stated that while he doubts alien visitors, the couple likely saw something. He noted that Vestigia receives about 150 calls per year regarding unusual lights in the sky, with a few remaining unexplained.

Turtle Lake case for UFO class

This article from the Tribune, Bismarck, ND, discusses how a hayfield in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, with mysterious circles, has become the subject of a popular college course at the University of North Dakota. Professor John Salter considers the circles "a clean and clear example of a UFO landing site." The circles, which have remained for 16 months, show no logical explanation for the dead grass and depressions. Skeptics suggested insects, hay stacks, badgers, or chemical spills, but these theories do not account for the physical evidence. The Wagners, owners of the field, contacted the Minot Air Force Base and a UFO Hotline without success. They eventually connected with Salter, who is convinced of their veracity, postulating that UFOs may have landed to draw power from a nearby electric line.

Manitoba farmers report odd happenings

This article from the Tribune-Review reports on a fourth mysterious circle of flattened grain found in a farmer's field near Niverville, Manitoba, about 10 miles south of Winnipeg. The circle, about 10 yards in diameter, had wheat flattened in a counter-clockwise direction. Other circles have been found near towns west and north of Winnipeg.

Kecksburg divided over UFO story

This article from the Tribune-Review discusses a petition being circulated by Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, residents calling for NBC to cancel a planned "Unsolved Mysteries" program about an alleged UFO landing in 1965. Group members, primarily property owners and firemen, believe the event was a hoax and fear the broadcast will attract unwanted attention. Ed Myers, former chief of the Kecksburg Fire Department, disputes that any landing occurred and has gathered over 50 signatures for the petition. He expresses concern about curious individuals trespassing on private property. The article mentions that two men, William Bulebush and James Romansky, have come forward claiming to have witnessed the object, describing it as acorn-shaped with strange writing.

On UFOs, their believability and political implications

This review from The Courant discusses three books related to UFOs: "Confrontations: A Scientist's Search for Alien Contact" by Jacques Vallee, "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" by Ed and Frances Walters, and "First Contact" edited by Ben Bova and Byron Priess. Vallee's book is described as a disquieting account of frightening encounters with UFOs and alien beings. "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" is presented as a diary-like account of UFO intrusions into the Walters' lives, with photographic evidence. The reviewer finds the Gulf Breeze case "too good to be true." "First Contact" is praised as a comprehensive overview of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program, but Michael Michaud's essay on the sociopolitical implications of contact is highlighted as sobering.

LETTERS To The Editor

This section contains a letter from Ed Walters responding to a previous statement by Ed Gray. Walters corrects Gray's assertion that Walters never called him after a sighting, stating that he did call Gray on March 17, 1988, and invited him to a sighting, which Gray declined. Walters suggests that media reports may have exaggerated a simple AWOL case out of proportion.

Circles in Lowe fields stir interest across nation

This article from The Odessan reiterates that Roger Lowe remains convinced that wind caused the crop circles in his fields, despite numerous media interviews and visitors. He has lost between $1,000 to $1,200 due to the damaged crops. Lowe has given numerous radio and television interviews, and media outlets like The New York Times, UFO Magazine, and "Unsolved Mysteries" have contacted the family. The article notes that others continue to argue that UFOs or other unknown causes were responsible for the circles. Mike Murphy, a radio talk show host, interviewed Richard Hoagland, who discussed geometric patterned circles and electromagnetic tones found at such sites. Ray Porter, an 80-year-old man, claims to have seen a "thing" go over his house and felt an "uplift."

Seen a UFO lately? Don't be afraid to tell your friends

This article from the Tribune-Review discusses the growing public interest in UFOs, citing Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained. Gordon notes that the ridicule associated with admitting to UFO sightings is fading, and more witnesses are coming forward. He states that these witnesses are often trained observers and professionals, not just "crackpots." The article mentions PASU's investigation of UFOs, Bigfoot sightings, and other unexplained phenomena, including alleged UFO residue and government documents. It details a specific report of a noiseless, triangular-shaped object seen in North Huntingdon Township, Pennsylvania, and mentions the investigation of English Mystery Circles found in a Pennsylvania farm area. Gordon believes the U.S. government continues to investigate UFOs, despite the discontinuation of Project Blue Book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery of crop circles, the debate between natural and extraterrestrial explanations, and the ongoing public and media fascination with UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and the various perspectives surrounding them, without definitively endorsing any single explanation, though it leans towards presenting evidence and witness accounts for further investigation.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from July to September 1990 focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles, alongside other unexplained events and sightings. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from scientific investigation to anecdotal accounts, exploring the mysteries that captured public imagination.

Crop Circles: Authenticity Debated

The lead story, "Boffins fall out over authenticity of shapes," highlights the division among experts regarding the origin of crop circles. Colin Andrews of the Circles Phenomenon Research Group asserts that the new patterns in Wiltshire corn fields are genuine and beyond known physics, suggesting intelligence at work. Conversely, Dr. John Graham of Cranfield Institute of Technology believes the shapes are likely man-made, possibly caused by spinning balls of air, though he admits this theory is difficult to apply to triangular formations. The article notes that similar shapes have appeared in Bulgaria and Australia, where they are called 'saucer nests.'

Several articles detail specific crop circle discoveries. In England, circles appeared at Beckhampton, Stanton St Bernard, and Roundway Hill in Wiltshire. A farmer in Wilmington reported new circles appearing directly in front of the Long Man of Wilmington, with farmer Tony Penrose suggesting alien involvement. In Japan, two mysterious circles were found in a rice field in Fukuoka Prefecture, sparking speculation about UFOs or mischief.

David Dane, a researcher from Norfolk, England, discusses the increasing number of crop circles, estimating around 1000 in Britain alone for the year, with many farmers reluctant to report them. He notes that orange and red lights are often seen before crop circles appear. Roy Patterson, a farm manager, describes seeing a red light with a ring around it before discovering a corn circle at his farm in Hopton.

An article from "CIRCULAR EVIDENCE" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews is reviewed. The book is described as a detailed investigation into flattened cereal crops, noting that stalks are intact and heads are not broken, ruling out simple animal or man-made origins. The authors dismiss various scientific explanations and conclude that they simply don't know the cause, suggesting visitors from the stars as a possibility.

There are also reports of crop circles appearing in other locations, including Manitoba, Canada, and Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The "Mystery Circles in Fukuoka" section notes that the patterns are similar to those found in Britain and other parts of the globe, with causes debated as either messages from outer space or hoaxes.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several UFO sightings are reported. In Great Wakering, Essex, England, a woman reported a circular object with lights hovering near her home, causing her electricity to go off three times. Another sighting in the same area involved a mass of bright lights. East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association launched a 24-hour hotline to gather information.

Arthur Tomlinson is giving a public lecture in Macclesfield, England, aiming to prove the existence of UFOs, presenting slides, top-secret documents, and post-mortem reports on aliens. He recounts local sightings, including a policeman who saw a UFO shaped like a three-tier cottage loaf in Wilmslow in 1966, and other reports from Alderley to Ashton-unde-Lyne.

In Porton, England, Jane Manning-Philips, a physiotherapist, describes seeing a strange cylinder-shaped object with red and yellow lights flying vertically over her home, making a loud noise. She contacted the MOD, who reported seeing nothing.

Other Mysteries and Phenomena

Bigfoot and Sasquatch: Cliff Crook, a Sasquatch expert from Bothell, Washington, is featured discussing his 33-year search for the creature. He is investigating a recent encounter reported by three mushroom pickers in Mt. Rainier National Park, noting a strong smell and unusual droppings. Crook found a 14-inch-long footprint that he believes is legitimate and not a hoax.

Lake Monsters: Reports of a Lake Erie 'sea monster,' nicknamed 'South Bay Bessie,' are detailed. Sightings range from Toledo to Vermilion, with descriptions of a black or blue creature 30 to 50 feet long. A $5,000 reward is offered for its capture. A satellite photo from 1975 showed an unexplained serpentine shadow in Lake Erie.

Animal Mutilations: An article from Helena, Arkansas, discusses the mutilation of a cow, with police suspecting Satanism due to the precise nature of the cuts. The cow's ear, part of its udder, and genitals were removed, and the lack of blood at the scene is noted as unusual for occult mutilations.

Loch Ness Monster: A search for the Loch Ness Monster is underway in Scotland, with a £250,000 reward offered for conclusive evidence. Various groups are participating, using methods ranging from crystal divination to sophisticated underwater sonar.

Telepathy and Aliens: Belen Huizar, an American psychic investigator, suggests that telepathy may be the key to communicating with aliens, citing Soviet research that includes telepathy in their astronaut training program.

Book Review: A review of "CIRCULAR EVIDENCE" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews highlights the book's detailed investigation into crop circles and its conclusion that the cause remains unknown.

Apology: The Manchester Evening News issues an apology to Mr. Stanton Friedman and Mr. Harry Harris for defamatory articles published in October 1989, acknowledging that their claims about UFOs were not 'cultists and crackpots' but legitimate research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are mystery, the unexplained, and the human drive to investigate phenomena that defy conventional understanding. The magazine presents a variety of cases, from the tangible evidence of crop circles to the more elusive sightings of UFOs, Bigfoot, and lake monsters. While some articles lean towards skepticism or offer potential explanations (hoaxes, natural phenomena), others embrace the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence or unknown forces at play. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting the evidence and theories without definitively concluding on most matters, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities.