UFO Newsclipping Service - 1991 01 - no 258

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated January 1991, number 258, focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent article detailing reports from Culver, Indiana. The publication aims to document and analyze UFO encounters, often exploring themes of government secrecy and witness testimonies.

UFOs, Odd Lights Reported Over Culver

The lead story details numerous sightings of unidentified bright lights in the sky over Culver, Indiana, since early October. Residents like Melanie Wagner described seeing lights in various patterns, most commonly triangle-shaped, but also 'bow ties' and circular shapes. Gary Flagg, a security guard, has been logging sightings since March, describing a white, triangular-shaped light pattern that moved slowly. Fred Karst, editor of The Culver Citizen, also reported seeing strange lights and noted his newspaper had received many calls about the phenomenon. Officials at Grissom Air Force Base and the Indiana National Guard dismissed the possibility that the lights were military aircraft, stating that the descriptions did not match their equipment. Despite official skepticism, the sightings have generated significant local discussion and speculation.

Saucer-Shaped Flying Machine Fascinates Chetco Resident

This article recounts Frank Perkins' sighting of an unusual flying object on November 9th near the Chetco River Road. Perkins described a bright silver object with windows in a domed top, which hovered and then moved rapidly towards California. His friend, Pat Ranney, corroborated the sighting. The object was estimated to be about a mile or two up and was described as unlike a plane or helicopter.

Gov't Hush-Hush on UFOs Assailed

This piece reports on a symposium where author John White criticized the U.S. government for withholding secret data on UFOs. White, a former aide to Edgar Mitchell's Institute of Noetic Sciences, called for President Bush to reveal the truth. Astronomer Dr. Brian O'Leary echoed these sentiments, suggesting that government secrecy was initially due to superior technologies but now persists due to bureaucratic inertia. Howard Blum, author of 'Out There: The Government's Secret Quest for Extraterrestrials,' claimed the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) coordinates a UFO Working Group with a $15 million annual budget. Blum also alleged an 'immoral and illegal disinformation campaign' against UFO researchers, calling for accountability. Connecticut attorney Robert Bletchman of MUFON presented a declassified U.S. Air Force document from 1969, indicating that UFO reports affecting national security were handled separately from Project Blue Book.

Fact or Fantasy? Springfieldian Seeks Validation of UFO Encounter 43 Years Ago

This feature details Gerald Anderson's account of witnessing a crashed 'flying saucer' and alien creatures in New Mexico in July 1947, when he was five years old. Anderson, now a former police chief, has remained silent for 43 years but decided to speak out after seeing a segment on 'Unsolved Mysteries.' He describes four creatures, two dead, one dying, and one uninjured, near a silver disc. His recollections have garnered attention from UFO researchers like Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist, who believes Anderson is a significant witness to the Roswell Incident. The article highlights the detailed nature of Anderson's account, including his description of the craft and the creatures, and the subsequent military involvement. John Carpenter, a therapist and director of investigations for MUFON, conducted hypnosis sessions with Anderson, finding his testimony compelling and consistent.

UFO faithful make contact at Biloxi gathering

This article covers a UFO convention in Biloxi, Mississippi, where hundreds of enthusiasts gathered. Speakers included Charles Hickson, who recounted his claimed abduction experience in Pascagoula, Mississippi, 17 years prior. Hickson stated the incident strengthened his belief in God and the existence of other worlds. Peter Robbins shared his childhood experience of seeing alien spacecraft and discussed his ongoing research and upcoming book with Larry Warren. The article also mentions the sighting of a 'flying, burning boxcar' reported in LeFlore County and other states, which NORAD identified as a disintegrating Soviet satellite.

UFOs, Strange Lights Draw Concern: Briefing Manual For Suffolk Police Up In The Air

This piece investigates the work of the Long Island U.F.O. Network (L.I.U.F.O.N.) and their findings regarding UFO sightings. One major investigation concerns an alleged U.S. Government crash retrieval on September 28, 1989, over Moriches Bay. L.I.U.F.O.N. believes military and police forces were monitoring a disabled UFO. The Center Moriches family who reported the incident provided photographs of military helicopters and amber lights. L.I.U.F.O.N. co-founder John Ford stated that distress calls about a sinking boat were a hoax used to cover the military presence. The investigation also found evidence of crushed vegetation in the dunes. L.I.U.F.O.N. is calling for a Congressional investigation into the Moriches Bay incident and claims a secret briefing manual for Suffolk County Police on handling UFO incidents exists.

UFO furor revived by new book

This article discusses the renewed interest in UFO sightings in Elmwood, sparked by the publication of Howard Blum's book 'Out There: The Government's Secret Quest for Extraterrestrials.' Elmwood Mayor Larry Feiler expressed that while the book has brought attention, some parts of the account were exaggerated. The town has been featured on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and 'Hard Copy,' with reenactments of past sightings. Feiler hopes to establish a UFO museum in Elmwood.

The saucers were flying down home in 1990

This report highlights UFO sightings across North Carolina in 1990, as documented by George Fawcett, state director of MUFON. Fawcett investigated over 1,200 UFO sightings in the past four decades, starting with his own experience in 1951. The article details several specific sightings in various North Carolina cities, including a large, dish-shaped UFO in Durham, a dome-topped UFO near Mount Airy, and oval-shaped objects in Morganton. It also mentions reports of circular rings found in the ground in Vale and Asheboro, with theories ranging from UFO landings to tornados.

John Fuller, 76, Writer on the Unexplained, Dies

This is an obituary for John Fuller, a prolific author known for his books on unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, the occult, and near-disasters. Fuller's book 'The Interrupted Journey' (1966) detailed accounts of people taken aboard spaceships. He also wrote 'Incident At Exeter' (1966) and 'The Poison That Fell From the Sky' (1978). Fuller was noted for his ability to obtain government documents for his research, though sometimes criticized for his topics and lack of footnotes.

'Ball Of Fire' In Sky A Mystery

This article describes Steve Harrell's sighting of a bright light falling from the sky over Randolph County, North Carolina, on Christmas Day. Harrell videotaped the object, which he described as a 'ball of fire' that appeared to float before disappearing. While Harrell believes there is a rational explanation, George Fawcett of MUFON suggested it fit the pattern of UFO sightings, noting an increase in North Carolina sightings in 1990, including reports of creatures emerging from UFOs.

Abducted by aliens... local man speaks out

James Lefante, a 32-year-old musician-composer from Merrick, New York, claims to have had multiple close encounters and abductions by aliens. He recounts experiences dating back to childhood, including seeing government helicopters and a large object that turned into a ball of fire. Lefante describes being paralyzed, experiencing 'missing time,' and undergoing operations by 'three aliens' in a strange room. He also speaks of telepathic communication and seeing Earth on a large screen aboard a craft. His experiences are similar to those reported by other abductees, and he has shared his story with UFO researchers and on television.

UFO: Was it or wasn't it

This column by Sue Mroz discusses UFO sightings and the open-mindedness required to consider such phenomena. Mroz recounts a conversation with John Quinn, who witnessed 'lense-shaped, luminous crafts' hovering under a cloud in Australia. The column touches on the vastness of the unknown and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It also briefly mentions Senator Claiborne Pell's interest in ESP and a staffer's claim of a 'code word' in President Bush's speeches.

Lincoln man recounts abductions by aliens

John Foster, an engineer from Lincoln, Nebraska, shares his experiences with alien abductions, which began in 1950. Foster describes being pulled into a 'floating bus' and taken into the future, where he was given 'experiments to do' by 'guides' who claimed to be a 'guardian brotherhood.' He also recounts encounters with 'lizard-like' creatures and a woman who claimed to be an educator. Foster believes UFO experiences are directed personally but can also address the population, citing the 'corn circles' phenomenon. He has documented his experiences through drawings and paintings, encountering at least 13 different types of crafts.

The petty, the odd and the foolish

This is a lighthearted column by Judy Emerson that touches on various unusual topics. It mentions a woman who reported seeing strange lights in the sky near Rockford, Illinois, which she believes were UFOs. The column also briefly discusses the 'corn circles' phenomenon and a claim about a 'code ward' in President Bush's speeches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters and abductions, and the possibility of government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness testimonies and expert analyses without outright dismissal. The publication seems to favor exploring the unexplained and encouraging further research into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The articles often highlight the personal impact of these experiences on individuals and the broader societal implications of potential extraterrestrial contact.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated August 2, 1990, with reports from England, Canada, and Australia, focuses on the persistent mysteries surrounding UFOs and unexplained phenomena, particularly the enigmatic crop circles.

Barley Field Circles and UFOs

The cover story, "Mystery of the barley field circles," highlights the baffling appearance of flattened circles in farmers' fields. In England, farmer Peter Needham of Manor Farm, Coleby, discovered four such circles, one 20 yards in diameter, with no clear explanation. Another report from Rawmarsh details farmer Reg Ellis's confusion over a perfect corn circle appearing next to his field, coinciding with the mysterious disappearance of half-a-ton of potatoes.

UFOs remain a central theme. In Australia, UFO watchers warn that Bass Strait is becoming a 'Bermuda Triangle' for boats, with the latest incident being the disappearance of a sloop with six crew members. UFO expert Colin Norris suggests aliens operate from a secret base under Bass Strait, and claims the Australian government is covering up information. The article recalls the famous disappearance of Frederick Valentich in 1978 after he reported a UFO, and mentions other historical sightings in the Bass Strait area, including one by an RAAF bomber crew in 1942.

Victorian researcher Paul Norman, a member of the International Committee for UFO Research, states that about 10 percent of reported UFO sightings worldwide remain unexplained. He describes these objects as usually small, disc-shaped, and silver or aluminum. Norman has investigated UFOs for over 30 years, sharing his own sighting in 1953. He notes that while many sightings are explainable, the unexplained ones, particularly those with tangible evidence like those reported by airline pilots, warrant attention. He also mentions that circular evidence in UFOs is not new, with increasing reports near Stonehenge and changing patterns, including rectangular shapes.

Other Strange Occurrences

UFOs and Abductions

The magazine features an article about Malcolm Jacobs and Patricia Mee, who compare their own alleged alien abduction experiences with the film "Communion." Patricia believes she was sent to Earth by aliens to raise awareness about planetary issues. They are supported by Bufora (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association) researcher Philip Mantle, who has investigated UFO sightings for 11 years. Mantle notes that the Pennine area in Britain has a high number of UFO sightings, calling it a 'window area.' He also discusses the difficulty of explaining UFO phenomena and the skepticism faced by abductees.

Animal Mutilations and Satanic Cults

An article from The Columbian explores the unsettling phenomenon of animal mutilations, particularly in Clark County, Washington. Theories range from satanic cults to other animals. Detective Rick Buckner suggests a ritualistic motive due to clean cuts and missing body parts, but admits no occult practitioners have been definitively linked to these cases. Other officials suggest mentally disturbed individuals or even animals like coyotes and raccoons could be responsible.

Bigfoot Sightings

Several reports detail alleged Bigfoot sightings. In Michigan, hunters and hikers in Oscoda County have reported encounters with an 8-foot tall, dark, hairy creature. Art Kapa, a Bigfoot investigator, has been tracking the creature for 21 years and has collected footprint casts and hair samples. He believes the creature exists and is determined to solve the mystery. Another report from Brunei describes giant footprints, measuring 24 inches long, found in a village, baffling officials.

Other Anomalies

The "FORTEANA NEWS" section highlights "Really Weird Stuff" from the magazine "Strange." This includes "Exploding Cactus" in Arizona that released scorpions, "Australian Fish Fall" where fish rained down, and a "'Thing in the Window' Video" where an alien-like figure was recorded. It also mentions a "Japanese Anti-gravity Device" and claims that parts of a crashed UFO were used to build the Stealth bomber.

Lincoln Family Mystery

In Lincoln, Nebraska, the Krivda family reports a series of unexplained occurrences in their home, including a laundry room door that opens and closes on its own, French doors that repeatedly open despite being bolted, gusts of wind indoors, and strange smells. The youngest daughter has also reportedly interacted with an unseen force.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, and the challenges in finding rational explanations. The magazine presents various accounts from witnesses, researchers, and even law enforcement, highlighting the skepticism and open-mindedness surrounding these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these phenomena as intriguing subjects worthy of investigation, even if definitive answers remain elusive. There's an emphasis on the 'Fortean' approach, which encourages open-minded inquiry into events that defy conventional scientific explanation.