UFO Newsclipping Service - 1995 02 - no 307

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 1995, is published by Lucius Farish and edited by Lucius Farish. The cover headline highlights a radio series on the UFO enigma produced by local broadcaster Dale Caruso. The publication features a collection of articles from various newspapers across the United States, detailing UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena.

Radio Series on UFO Enigma

An article from the Lake Country Echo reports on Dale Caruso's multi-part radio series for KLKS-FM exploring the possibility of alien visitors and government cover-ups of UFO incidents. Caruso's research took him to various locations, and he interviewed "abduction victims." He expresses a belief that UFOs likely exist, stating that "Existence or non-existence is a strange thing." Caruso also critiques the scientific community for being driven by publishing and tenure rather than discovery, advocating for scientists to be willing to say "I don't know."

Local Sightings and Investigations

Several articles detail specific UFO sightings and the efforts of individuals and groups to investigate them:

• Oregon: Dale Nugen of Coquille reported seeing a bright light in the sky, which helped convince his wife and daughter that he wasn't imagining things after reading a similar account in The Sentinel. The Sentinel also reported on sightings by Archie Jacobsen and the Fritz couple.
• New York: Keith Conroy, an independent UFO investigator, is researching reports of unusual lights seen near Rome and Point Rock. He has received 10 calls about sightings, some dating back to mid-November. Conroy is analyzing witness testimony and a videotape, though the tape lacks clear information.
• Arkansas: The Daily Times features SOUP (Scientific Organization (for) Unexplained Phenomena), a Harrison-based group investigating UFOs, animal mutilations, crop circles, and alien abductions. Bill Wilcox, a speaker at a SOUP meeting, noted that phenomena are more likely in remote rural areas. The group aims to provide a support network and disseminate information.
• North Carolina: A Greensboro MUFON-NC Inc. meeting is reported, where members discussed recent sightings near Salisbury, Kannapolis, Harnett County, and Lake Norman. Nick Summers investigated a credible sighting of a dark, elongated object that moved erratically.
• Alaska: The Daily News reports on strange lights seen over Wainwright on New Year's Day, which officials attributed to reflections from other lights, though some puzzling reports, like a pilot's sighting of a bright light on New Year's Eve, remain unexplained.
• New Mexico: The Daily Record highlights the release of "Midway Sightings-Unclassified Footage" videos, which have gained international attention. Jose Escamilla is producing more videos and plans to establish a museum. Researchers from England, Italy, and Germany are expected to visit.
• Iowa: The Chief reports on a Perry resident's sighting of an orange, luminous object that expanded and disappeared. MUFON investigators interviewed the woman and found her account credible but unexplained.
• Idaho: The Morning Tribune covers UFO sightings in the Eastern Sierra, with Jeffrey Nelson of Unexplained Phenomena Investigations (UPI) receiving over 100 calls. Nelson's group aims to statistically prove that anomalous lights are not hallucinations. Li F. Wong, a MUFON field investigator, is researching sightings in north central Idaho, including a glowing orange object and cattle mutilations.
• Ohio: The Lima News reports on unexplained lights seen in Eastern Allen skies, with John P. Timmerman, a UFO researcher, investigating reports of orange and white balls of light and strange configurations.

Government Secrecy and Groom Lake

The Examiner and Press Enterprise articles discuss the controversy surrounding the U.S. Air Force facility at Groom Lake, Nevada (Area 51). Plaintiffs are suing the government, alleging illnesses caused by hazardous chemical disposal. The government's response is to deny the base's official existence and refuse to comment, citing classification. Glenn Campbell, a "military irritant," sells guides to viewing the base and leads tourists to overlooks. The articles touch upon the "black" budget used for secret weapons development and the public's right to know.

UFOs and Science

Ronald Westrum, a sociology professor at Eastern Michigan University, believes in UFOs and claims to be in high-level company. He argues that mainstream science needs to take the phenomenon seriously, citing a Roper Survey indicating about 1 in 50 Americans have experienced "symptoms" of an abduction. He criticizes the sensationalized media coverage and the scientific community's bias against studying UFOs. Robert Baker, a folklore expert, dismisses these claims as "hokey and false."

Personal Accounts and Beliefs

• Martha Wheat of Henrietta recalls "weird sky sightings," including encounters with shiny, oval objects in broad daylight. She believes the government is covering up information and finds the experience intimidating. She has had four documented sightings.
• George Fawcett, a UFO investigator for 50 years, views UFOs not just as an aviation phenomenon but as encompassing historical, sociological, scientific, cultural, parapsychological, military, and religious aspects. He is a "non-skeptic" rather than a believer, basing his views on investigation and evidence.
• Peter A. Jordan of Clark, NJ, discusses how some sightings have down-to-earth explanations (like seismic activity causing plasma gas), while others remain difficult to explain, citing a case of a low-flying object followed by a woman and child.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of scientific investigation, the role of government secrecy, and the personal experiences of witnesses and believers. There's a clear emphasis on presenting various perspectives, from official explanations and scientific skepticism to the accounts of those who claim direct encounters and the efforts of dedicated researchers and organizations like MUFON. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the phenomenon, acknowledging both the unexplained aspects and the need for rigorous investigation, while also highlighting the public's fascination and the potential implications for society and science.

This issue of STAR magazine, dated December 30, 1994, focuses heavily on reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and related events, across various locations in Canada and England.

Article: Men search for explanations for strange lights

This lead article by Caroline Murray details Mike Powaschuk's sighting of unusual lights near Sheldon Lake, Yukon Territory, on December 20, 1994. Powaschuk, a trapper and volunteer fire chief, described seeing green, blue, red, and white lights for several hours in the early morning sky. He claims it was not the Northern Lights, the moon, or a star. He photographed the lights and recorded their bearings and elevations. Despite admitting to having consumed a small amount of rum, he maintains the veracity of his experience. He attempted to communicate with the lights by flashing an SOS signal and placing a lantern and candle on his windowsill. Powaschuk reported the sighting to the Ross River RCMP. The article also includes a brief account from Bill Carson, another Ross River resident, who saw peculiar glowing lights about 10 to 12 years prior, which he suspected were meteors. A Whitehorse man, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing bright lights near Haines Junction on December 24, 1994, that appeared to fly in and out of mountain tops and were visible over Whitehorse.

Chris Rutkowski, an astronomer in Manitoba specializing in ufology, is quoted stating that his annual report on UFO sightings in Canada receives reports from various individuals, including pilots and police. He clarifies that a UFO sighting simply means an object that cannot be identified. Rutkowski notes that while there were no reported UFO sightings in the Yukon in 1993-94, there were a few in preceding years, including a triangular-shaped object and a globe with blinking lights spotted in Whitehorse in 1992. He also mentions a bright fireball sighting in Whitehorse in 1991. Rutkowski states that the national average of UFO sightings is 250, with a small percentage remaining unexplained, and that reported sightings have shown an increase over the past five years.

Article: Going round in circles to find out the truth

This article from the Evening Post (Nottingham, England) and Essex County Standard (Colchester, England) focuses on Mark Haywood, a computer programmer investigating crop circles and UFO sightings. Haywood, a member of the East Midlands branch of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, aims to uncover the truth behind these phenomena. He is consulting with American professor Dr. W.C. Levengoods from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is developing a formula to determine the validity of crop circles. Haywood is sending samples of grass and sapling trees from a crop circle in Kirkby-in-Ashfield for analysis. The article mentions that some circles are considered natural phenomena, but many are believed to be hoaxes. Haywood also claims to have seen a silver ball of light change color while driving home. The article notes that employees from Center Parcs also reported seeing balls of light hovering over their car.

Article: Call for the official facts on UFO reports

By Sue Sparks, this article from the Essex County Standard reports that Les Stacey, president of the Essex UFO Research Group, is urging local MPs to investigate numerous reports of mysterious sightings in and around Colchester. Stacey received about 100 calls from people who reported seeing a large, brightly-lit object hovering in the sky. The group is collating information from interviews with about 20 people. Mrs. Patricia Arthey described seeing a "giant stingray"-like object with no tail, which moved silently. Peter Hogg reported seeing two bright lights that appeared like headlights on a car, which grew into more lights as they approached. Initially, the Ministry of Defence suggested the sightings could be of a helicopter, but the RAF at Wattisham airfield disagreed, stating that aircraft flying below 500ft must be booked in, and none were.

Article: UFOs and new wave of crop circles

This report by James Chapman from the Southern Daily Echo highlights a fresh report of UFOs in Hampshire, linking them to a new wave of crop circles. The Riolo family reported seeing a strange craft hovering over their car and flitting in and out of trees. Their description matches previous reports, including one from Mary Emmett. The Riolo family described the object as having two white lights flashing underneath and four bars lit up on top, and it moved too slowly to be a plane. After the object buzzed their car for about 10 minutes, it shot off at high speed, and the family encountered a thick fog. Barbara Davies, secretary of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, notes the connection between the Hampshire lights and the curving trail of graded circles found near Bishop's Waltham. The article mentions that crop circle mystery was thought to be solved in 1991 by two pensioners, but the patterns continued to appear.

Article: Riddle of UFO that tracked a family

By David Haith, this article from the Christchurch Advertiser reports on a possible explanation for a double UFO sighting in Derbyshire and Dorset. Eight witnesses agreed the circular UFO was over 100 feet wide, outlined by lights with nothing visible between them. Mrs. Anthea Mee described seeing white lights cast beams downwards and a rotating top, likening it to an enormous flying saucer. The Whelans witnessed a similar object over Swanage, describing it as a "giant jellyfish or a tiered wedding cake." The article suggests the phenomenon was likely a pub's rooftop light show using a device called a 'space flower,' which works by light shining on an inverted bowl.

Article: High in the sky stories

This article from the Sudbury Mercury reports on continued UFO sightings in the Suffolk/Essex border village. Angie Christie described seeing a pulsating object, followed by smaller ones with red and white lights, and then others with blue and green lights, estimating about 100 craft. Her husband, Wallace, a former RAF chief technical adviser, confirmed the sightings. Neighbor Tom Wilkinson, an amateur astronomer, stated the sightings could not have been of this planet. David Goddard reported seeing three dully-glowing pinky-orange orbs coming from the Woodbridge direction at high speed, which then stopped and zoomed out to sea.

Article: 'We saw alien space craft over our homes'

This article from the Suffolk Mercury details Angie Christie's account of seeing approximately 100 alien craft hovering over her home in Little Cornard. She described pulsating objects with red, white, blue, and green lights. Her husband, Wallace, and their neighbor, an amateur astronomer, corroborated the sightings. The objects were seen at a height of between 5-8,000 feet, seemingly sweeping the area. The article also mentions David Goddard's sighting of three pinky-orange orbs off Felixstowe pier.

Article: UFO mysteries all up in the air

This section from the Bedfordshire Times reports on several UFO sightings in the Bedford area. X file 1 describes a 35-year-old man who saw a brilliant, rotating light that was silent and circular. X file 2 details Joseph and Maria Scwieckz's experience with a silver and pink circle of light that opened and closed. X file 3 mentions calls received by the Bedford Earth and Aerial Mystery Society regarding flashing lights above the road from Ampthill towards Marston, and strange behavior among cattle. Hairdresser Diane Cullip also reported seeing eight spinning lights. The article notes that local police have had no sitings reported but will take reports seriously. It also mentions other sightings in Cardington Road, Bedford, the Embankment, and Barkers Lane.

Article: Close encounters prompt new probe into UFOs

This article from the Bedfordshire Times reports on a new society formed in Bedford to investigate unusual phenomena. The Bedford Earth and Aerial Mystery Society (BEAMS) has received reports of triangular-shaped orange objects with white rings over Cranfield Airfield and a black object shaped like a guitar plectrum over Bedford. Another sighting involved an egg-shaped UFO above the Embankment. BEAMS is interested in evidence of UFOs and examines members' sightings and rare video footage. Kenneth Parsons and Charles Allen set up the club, stating that these are genuine phenomena that need studying.

Article: UFO landing was kept secret, says ex-defence chief

This article from the Sunday People reports claims by Lord Hill-Norton, former Chief of the Defence Staff, that the Ministry of Defence is hiding information about UFO landings in Britain. His claims center on incidents at RAF Woodbridge in Suffolk, where American airmen reported seeing UFOs. The article details a top-secret report by Lt Colonel Charles Halt confirming sightings of UFOs involving "intelligence which didn't originate on earth." Former US military intelligence officer Clifford Stone claims that the USA, NATO, and Russia have exchanged details of similar incidents under "Operation Moondust." The article recounts events of December 27, 1980, at RAF Watton, where radar operators detected an unusual blip, and pilots reported intense bright lights. Airman John Burroughs and Sergeant Jim Penniston investigated a fire in Rendlesham Forest and described a triangular object made of black glass with symbols, which then shot off at high speed. Lt Col Halt also investigated a returned object, describing it as the "rising sun with a black pulsating centre."

Article: Snapped-lights that may have been a UFO

This article from the Yorkshire Evening Press features a picture of strange lights seen in the skies around Selby. Over 50 callers reported seeing a UFO. One explanation offered is laser beams from the former Kilpin Country Club night spot at Howden, but this is weakened by the fact that the beams have been on for months without previous UFO claims. Martin Deacon described the lights as "concert lights" and "a spiral of red lights running out from the centre." Nora Thompson is convinced the lights were not from a laser, describing them as blue lights in an arc shape.

Article: U.F.O. (Unidentified Fenland Object)

This article from the Citizen reports on a possible UFO sighting over Fenland. Two readers reported seeing a round light turning in small circles in the sky towards Leverington. The object reportedly set off car alarms and did not resemble an aeroplane. Another reader heard loud noises in the sky. Wisbech police had not received any reports of strange sightings.

Article: Blue light shakes Evelyn

This article from the Star reports that pensioner Evelyn Cook was shaken after seeing a blue light in the night sky over York. She was awakened by a loud bang and saw a "blue ball about as big as a football" hanging over the building. She watched the object for at least ten minutes. Her son, Kenneth, is seeking information from anyone who may have seen a similar spectacle.

Article: Melksham 'close encounter' remains a mystery

This article from the Andover, Hants., England News reports on Bruce Sawyer of Melksham, who was blinded by a bright light and later discovered a large flattened oval shape on the green opposite his house. The grass within the oval began to turn yellow and die. Ted Hitchens confirmed the oval shape was not there the previous day. West Wiltshire District Council stated that weed killer had been used on the area as part of a planting programme.

Article: Aliens in Mount Road - claim

This article from the Hinckley Times reports that a Hinckley man claims to have spotted two UFOs while cycling home. He described them as circling and behaving oddly, reflecting sunlight, and certain they were neither birds nor aircraft. He saw the objects again later the same day over the Queen's Park area. He is eager to hear from anyone who may have experienced similar sightings.

Article: Malaysians hunt for elusive 'Bigfoot'

This article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports on the search for a creature called "Bigfoot" in Malaysia. Fresh footprints were found, indicating the searchers were close to its hideout. Army, police, wildlife experts, and jungle tribes joined the search. The creature's fresh footprints measured about 1½ feet long and displayed only four toes.

Article: Search continues for 1,700 cattle

This article from the Morning News reports on the ongoing search for 1,700 cattle that a rancher reported missing from pastures west of Waurika, Oklahoma. The cattle disappeared between August 3 and the reporting date. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is checking sale barns in surrounding counties.

Article: Making a federal case out of cattle mutilations

This article by Tom Day from the News, Santa Rosa, NM, discusses the issue of cattle mutilations and the political involvement in investigating them. Senator Pete Domenici has asked the New Mexico Livestock Board for a report on its investigation, indicating a willingness to seek federal resources if necessary. The director of the Livestock Board, John Wortman, has distanced himself from theories involving cults or UFOs, stating there is no evidence for them. The article mentions past investigations by former FBI agent Ken Rommel, who concluded that predators and scavengers were the cause of most mutilations, contradicting some current livestock inspector assessments. The article suggests that a federally-assisted investigation into whether mutilations are real and what causes them would be a worthwhile endeavor.

Article: Vision of the Virgin

This article from the Daily News reports on thousands of pilgrims gathering in Conyers, Georgia, to hear a message from the Virgin Mary, as communicated by Nancy Fowler. Similar events are reported in Hollywood, Florida, where hundreds flocked to the home of Rosa Lopez, who also claims to communicate with the Virgin Mary. During a recitation of the rosary, some onlookers reported seeing crosses in the sky and a silhouette of Mary.

Article: UFO buffs suspect aliens using lasers to kill cats

This article from the Kamloops Canadian Press discusses the baffling mutilation of cats, with eyeballs missing and bodies cut in half. Michael Strainic, Canadian director of the Mutual UFO Network, notes similarities to cat mutilations reported in Vancouver and wonders if UFOs are involved, suggesting lasers might have been used. He acknowledges a lack of direct evidence but finds the precision of the cuts unusual. Chris Rutkowski, an astronomer and UFO investigator, has received photos of the mutilated cats and finds them unusual but without evidence of UFO involvement. Poundkeepers and SPCA officials offer more terrestrial explanations, such as coyotes.

Article: Using 'out of this world' research to try to solve mutilation mystery

This article by Rick Carpenter from the Signature newspaper details the work of David Perkins, who has been researching cattle mutilations for 20 years. Perkins examines the carcasses, noting surgical-like cuts, removal of organs, and complete draining of blood, with no tracks or signs of struggle. He suggests that extraterrestrial beings might be interested in collecting tissues to test for radiation contamination due to proximity to nuclear activity. Perkins also notes the government's potential involvement, citing the development of field laser units capable of making similar cuts. He remains open-minded about the cause, considering cults, government experiments, and extraterrestrial involvement.

Article: Believers Still Pursuing The Legend of Bigfoot

This article by Paul McHugh from the Chronicle discusses the ongoing pursuit of Bigfoot sightings, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Tom Morris, a contractor and founder of "Bigfoot Investigations," is dedicated to finding evidence of Bigfoot. The article mentions historical accounts and the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film as key pieces of evidence. Morris's research involves tracking, photography, and collecting data on sightings. The article also touches upon the psychological phenomenon of Bigfoot and the possibility of hoaxes.

Article: More paranormal programming sighted in prime time

This article by Alan Bash from USA TODAY discusses the increasing presence of paranormal programming on television, including shows about ghosts, UFOs, and crop circles. Dr. Will Miller notes a "booming interest" in these topics. Fox's "Encounters: The Hidden Truth" and "Sightings" are mentioned, as well as NBC's "The Other Side." The article also references Larry King's TNT special on alleged government coverups of UFOs and the popularity of fictional shows like "The X-Files." Professor Robert Thompson suggests that these programs offer a sense of comfort and the possibility of other forces at play.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, and other unexplained phenomena, including Bigfoot and alleged supernatural events. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of skepticism but also openness to the possibility that some phenomena remain genuinely unexplained. The articles often present eyewitness accounts, expert opinions (both supportive and dismissive), and investigative efforts, encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions. There is a clear interest in documenting these occurrences and seeking official explanations or further investigation.