UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 08 - no 325

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1996, is edited and published by Lucius Farish and is identified as Number 325. The cover prominently features the headline "Southern Idaho a hub for UFO traffic?" alongside a smaller article about "Mysterious red beams blindside detectives" in Hayward, California. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including sightings, investigations, cultural impacts, and historical incidents.

Southern Idaho a Hub for UFO Traffic?

This article, by John Ruprecht of The Times News, explores the prevalence of UFO activity in Southern Idaho. It features Douglas Brown, who founded a local chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in January. Brown, who had a childhood encounter with a silver and orange cigar-shaped object, believes that the region's small population and mineral content might contribute to the high number of sightings. He notes that MUFON investigates "after the fact" and acknowledges that while most sightings are explainable, a small percentage remain a mystery. The article recounts specific incidents, such as an object hovering over Hailey and motorists experiencing bright lights. A particularly compelling local story involves a sheepherder who encountered a "ferocious looking entity" near Devil's Corral, an event that Brown links to similar "chupacabra" sightings in Mexico and Puerto Rico. The article also touches upon the famous Roswell incident of 1947, where a government-identified weather balloon crash is still rumored to involve alien bodies.

Mysterious Red Beams Blindside Detectives

This report by Glenn Chapman from the REVIEW in Hayward, CA, details an investigation into mysterious red beams that have been zapping motorists. Sheriff's detectives were staking out an area near a train trestle over Altamont Pass when an intense red light was reported. A resident described a narrow red beam cutting through the sky. Detectives had been searching for the source of laser beams fired in previous weeks. Deputy Richard Frish reported being hit by a beam that temporarily blinded him. Truckers have also reported similar experiences. Investigators suspect the beam originated from the trestle or a nearby hill. While laser devices are used in the area for construction and maintenance, investigators have ruled out Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories as the source.

Independence Day: UFO Movie Has Believers Looking Up

This article by Frank C. Girardot from The Times News discusses the cultural impact of the movie "Independence Day." It notes that the film, which depicts an alien invasion, has drawn crowds and fueled belief in UFOs. Joe Martinez, a movie-goer, expressed his belief that UFOs exist and that the government is hiding the truth. The article highlights the film's success, having grossed $11.1 million in preview showings.

Extraterrestrials' Malevolence Hit

By Peter G. Chronis of The Denver Post, this piece examines the shift in popular culture's portrayal of extraterrestrials from benevolent beings to hostile invaders, as exemplified by "Independence Day." UFO believers, like Chandra Chandler of the UFO Institute, express dismay at this trend, arguing that if aliens intended to conquer Earth, they would have done so long ago. Chandler suggests the movie might be part of a "disinformation" campaign. However, she also acknowledges that such films raise awareness of UFOs. Skeptics, like mathematician Larry Sarner, question the feasibility of interstellar travel due to vast distances and the laws of physics. The article also mentions that the Air Force attributes increased UFO reports to new sci-fi movies and media coverage, noting that Project Bluebook ended in 1969.

War of the Worlds, Part II

By Joe Sharkey of The Times, this article contrasts the "malevolent" aliens in "Independence Day" with the more benevolent extraterrestrials described by some UFO faithful. Jim Carten, author of "Pilgrims and Strangers on the Earth," interprets scripture to suggest humans are descended from and visited by space colonists advocating peace. Howard Menger, a UFO guru, recounts his encounter with a beautiful alien woman near High Bridge, NJ, who urged him toward world peace. Menger notes an increase in UFO sightings and contrasts the small, silent craft he saw with the massive, destructive ships depicted in movies. The article also references the historical context of UFO beliefs, including Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio hoax, which famously caused panic.

Daniel Boone's New Age Pioneers

This article by Jon Yates from The Desert Sun focuses on Matthew and Daniel Boone, who are keeping alive the legend of the Integratron near Giant Rock, California. The Integratron, a domed building inspired by extraterrestrial experiences of George Van Tassle in 1953, is being refurbished by a group interested in its potential to rejuvenate cell tissue. The Boones believe in the return of the aliens who inspired its construction and aim to tell the truth about their experiences, despite public skepticism.

Frequent Fliers?

By Zack Van Eyck of the Deseret News, this piece explores the pervasive presence of UFOs and aliens in American culture, from television to movies like "Independence Day." It highlights the Shermans' experiences on their ranch in Uintah County, Utah, where they have repeatedly witnessed various types of UFOs and linked these sightings to the death or disappearance of seven cows. The article also touches on other Utah sightings, including those in the Uintah Basin, Nephi, and near Hurricane, as well as alleged alien abductions and encounters. It contrasts these accounts with the skepticism of organizations like the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), which emphasizes the lack of credible physical evidence.

Crop Circle Phenomena

Several articles address the mystery of crop circles. One by Al J. Lankaitis from the Lincoln Journal Star discusses a crop circle found in a barley field in Butte, Nebraska, baffling residents and attracting visitors. Sheriff Duane Pavel expresses his belief that it's not man-made. Lifelong resident Bill Hansen agrees, noting the smoothness and precision of the circles. Another article by Joe Duggan from the Lincoln Journal Star presents expert opinions, with Joe Nickell of CSICOP attributing crop circles to human hoaxes, while W.C. Levengood proposes natural phenomena like ion plasma vortices. Levengood criticizes Nickell for not conducting his own scientific tests. A separate article by Denise Gebers from PROGRESS in Paulding, OH, details a crop circle discovered in a wheat field, with investigators like John P. Timmerman of CUFOS examining the site and collecting samples. The article notes the precision of the circles and the lack of evidence of human activity. It also mentions unusual reactions reported by some visitors to crop formations. Another piece by Gebers from the BEACHCOMBER in Vashon, WA, discusses the Maury Island incident and the search for witnesses, linking it to a potential UFO crash. Finally, an article by Jim Langham from the CRESCENT NEWS in Defiance, OH, reports on a UFO sighting near Berne, Indiana, and notes the proximity of this sighting to a crop circle discovery in Paulding County, Ohio, suggesting a possible connection.

Incident at Indianapolis: What Did Doppler Detect?

By Steve Farr of Associated Press, this article reports on a strange radar anomaly detected at the Indianapolis National Weather Service station. Meteorologist Haines observed circular patterns on Doppler radar that swelled to nearly 45 miles across before bursting, leaving scattered dots. Haines theorizes it was a "bird explosion," possibly large flocks of birds. However, other experts, like biology professor Donald Whitehead, are skeptical, suggesting it might be an air disturbance caused by heat from the ground.

True Believers in UFOs Find They're Not Alone

This article by Teresa B. Jones covers a UFO convention in Greensboro, NC. It highlights the experiences of believers like Mary Beth Wrenn, who reported seeing UFOs from a young age. The convention featured speakers and vendors, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. Skeptics like Philip Klass, a veteran aviation journalist, remain unconvinced, citing the lack of credible scientific evidence. However, speakers like Dr. Roger K. Leir, who claims to have removed "implants" from patients, and Patrick Wiggins, a spokesman for the planetarium, emphasize the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence and cultural impact of UFO phenomena. There's a clear division between believers, who often cite personal experiences and historical incidents, and skeptics, who demand scientific proof. The media, particularly science fiction films like "Independence Day," is seen as both a catalyst for public interest and a source of potentially misleading portrayals of aliens. The articles highlight the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, ranging from misidentified conventional objects and natural phenomena to genuine extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups. The editorial stance, as inferred from the content, is to present a wide range of UFO-related reports and perspectives, acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with the subject, while also including skeptical viewpoints and the challenges of scientific validation.

This issue of the Deseret News, dated June 30, 1996, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on reports from Utah and Florida, as well as a broader look at sightings across the Midwest. The publication also delves into the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations, explores folklore like the Chupacabras legend, and touches upon other enigmatic events.

UFO Paradise in Utah: The Shermans' Ranch

The lead story details the experiences of the Sherman family on their ranch in Duchesne/Uintah County, Utah, which they describe as a 'UFO paradise.' Since purchasing the ranch two years prior, they have witnessed numerous strange lights and flying objects. Gwen Sherman described a sighting of 'headlights' with a 'red glowing thing' that illuminated the mountainside. Terry Sherman noted that sightings often occur during new moons or stormy skies. The family also reported an incident where a lighted object appeared to avoid them by ducking behind a rock ridge, only to reappear when they approached and signaled. They waved their arms, and the light flashed on and off three times, seemingly in response.

Cattle Mutilations on the Sherman Ranch

Soon after the sightings began, the Shermans discovered one of their cows dead in a field. The animal had a peculiar hole in its left eyeball but was otherwise untouched, with no blood, predator tracks, or tire marks. A strange, chemical-like odor was present. A second dead cow was found with a similar hole in its left eye and a 6-inch hole in its rectum, again with a chemical smell. The Shermans believe they may have interrupted the mutilators before they could complete their work. The problem escalated as cattle began to disappear. One cow appeared to be lifted from the snow, with its tracks leading to the edge of a field where they abruptly stopped. The area was surrounded by broken twigs, and the tops of nearby trees appeared to have been cut off. A third dead cow was found in January, exhibiting a large hole in its rectum and no blood, with the same chemical odor and severed tree tops.

Midwestern UFO Sightings

A section titled 'UFO's Visit the Midwest' by A. Snow highlights numerous reports from Ohio and other Midwestern states, compiled by the National UFO Reporting Center. These include a pilot's report of a pulsing ball of light near Saginaw, Michigan, that caused a plane to descend rapidly; a family in New Hampshire witnessing a large object with alternating lights; and a woman in Cleveland reporting bright flashes in the eastern sky. Other sightings detailed include indentations on a patio in Ohio attributed to deck chairs, a bizarre red disk causing an engine to fail in Massillon, Ohio, and multiple white objects seen in formation near Columbus. The article also lists 'Other noteworthy Midwestern sightings' from Michigan and Illinois, describing various lights, disks, and unusual objects.

Pensacola Beach UFO Sightings

Two articles from the ISLANDER newspaper in Pensacola Beach, Florida, report on a 'Rash of Activity at Shoreline Park South.' On June 4, 1996, multiple red lights were sighted by a group of five skywatchers. The lights appeared in sequences, blinking and moving, with the second series showing a reversed progression, suggesting multiple sources or complex movement. On May 29, 1996, three amber-red lights were seen in a horizontal row, with one appearing brighter. The sightings occurred during clear sky conditions with moderate wind. The articles mention heavy air traffic from NAS Pensacola and civilian aircraft but note no military jets were observed. A British film crew was in the area filming a show about the UFO phenomenon in Gulf Breeze.

Other International Sightings and Mysteries

Loch Ness Monster Sighting

An article from LONDON reports that sixteen people witnessed a mysterious object moving at high speed across Loch Ness, leaving a whitewater wake. Witnesses described it as large and unlike any boat, leading some to believe it was the Loch Ness Monster.

Chupacabras Saga

'Is Chupacabras Saga Getting Your Goat?' by Carol Hernandez discusses the widespread legend of the Chupacabras, a creature blamed for the bloodless deaths of livestock across the hemisphere. The article notes its popularity in the Hispanic community, with reports of sightings and even Chupacabras-themed merchandise. While authorities often attribute such deaths to coyotes or diseases, the legend persists, fueled by skepticism towards official explanations.

Cattle Mutilation Mystery Continues

'Cattle Mutilation Mystery Continues; UFO Sightings' by Phaedra Greenwood in The Taos News details ongoing cattle mutilations in New Mexico. Ranchers report animals found dead with organs removed, neat surgical-like wounds, and a lack of blood or tracks. The article mentions sightings of strange lights in the sky, including blue and red hovering objects and a large red light. It also references past investigations and theories, including those by former FBI agent Kenneth Rommel Jr. and researcher Linda Moulton Howe, who suggests extraterrestrial involvement.

The Mystery of the Blob

'The Mystery of the Blob' by Ron Hoss reports on Dottie Hearn of Oakville, Washington, who will be featured on a Discovery Channel show hosted by Arthur C. Clarke. Hearn's story involves a mysterious, clear, gelatin-like substance that landed on her property in August 1994, falling six times. She became violently ill the day after the first incident, requiring hospitalization for an inner ear infection, which doctors stated was unrelated. The substance's origin remains a mystery.

Navajo Visitation Tale

'Tale of visitation by Navajo gods draws thousands' by The Associated Press describes a pilgrimage by Navajos to a site where a 96-year-old woman claimed to have been visited by two tribal gods. The event has sparked debate among the Navajo and Hopi tribes, with some viewing it as a spiritual message and others suspecting it was fabricated to encourage adherence to traditions amidst land disputes.

Gold-Filled Tunnel Legend

'Gold-Filled Tunnel Legend Didn't Pan Out' by Cecilia Rasmussen explores the legend of a labyrinthine network of tunnels beneath Los Angeles, rumored to have been built by an ancient race known as the Lizard People. Mining engineer G. Warren Shufelt claimed to have discovered these tunnels using a 'radio X-ray' device, believing they contained gold and historical records. Despite an attempt to excavate, the project was halted, and Shufelt disappeared, leaving the legend speculative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and other unexplained phenomena, reflecting a strong public interest in these subjects. The articles present witness accounts and investigative details, often highlighting the lack of definitive explanations from authorities. While some articles, like the one on Canadian UFO divisions, touch upon potential government secrecy or lack of evidence, the overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these mysterious events and the ongoing search for answers, acknowledging the public's fascination and sometimes skepticism.