UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 12 - no 329

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 1996, number 329, published by Lucius Farish, focuses on the pervasive theme of UFO sightings and encounters. The cover boldly proclaims "THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE" and features a striking graphic, setting a tone of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena.

Whatcom Citizens Report Strange Encounters

The lead article by Jim Donaldson in The Bellingham Herald highlights several residents of Whatcom County, Washington, who claim to have experienced strange encounters. Matthew Thuney, founder of the Bellingham UFO Group, reports visitations by 'beings.' Russell Simonson recounts seeing UFOs fly over his farm twice, once a 'disk-shaped craft' and another time a dark object. Kathleen Shaw humorously suggests her dog might be an alien. The article notes that Washington state has a high rate of UFO reporting, with 263 residents reporting sightings between January 1995 and April 1996, according to the National UFO Reporting Center. Thuney speculates about potential 'energy vortexes' or a heightened awareness in the state. Simonson emphasizes that most sightings go unreported due to people's reluctance to discuss them. Sharon Flip, a hypnotherapist, discusses her work with individuals experiencing 'contact' or 'abduction' phenomena, noting that while she doesn't look for UFOs, the experiences are often real for the individuals.

UFO Network Sightings

This section lists recent UFO sightings logged by the Bloomington UFO Network. Reports include a large ball of light near Mallory Road, a red light near Howard Road, a 'spaceship, gray metallic with lights on it' seen by schoolchildren in Stanford, video footage of a light hovering over a church in Owen County, and a light followed by two men from Spencer to Freedom. Other sightings include lights and spaceships near Cutright Bridge, large headlights near 10th and Russell Road, an orange light near Northeast Bloomington, a brilliant light south of Morgantown, and flashes of blue lights north of Bloomington.

Are UFOs for Real?

This article by Rebecca A. Hensley profiles John P. Timmerman of Lakeview, who is dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon and is associated with the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. Timmerman clarifies that 'UFO' means 'unidentified,' not necessarily a spaceship from Mars, and emphasizes the importance of witness credibility. He discusses his work with Dr. William C. Levengood, who examines plant and soil samples from crop formations, finding unexplained differences that suggest they are not man-made. Timmerman's interest was sparked by a 1947 report of nine flying saucers. The Center for UFO Studies receives thousands of reports annually and maintains a large library. The article also touches upon the Roswell incident and the possibility of government cover-ups and disinformation programs.

Voices of Witnesses

This section features interviews with individuals who claim to have seen UFOs. John Timmerman of Lakeview shares his extensive collection of cassette tapes of interviews with witnesses. He highlights the work of Dr. William C. Levengood, whose research on crop circles suggests they are not man-made. Timmerman recounts his own journey into UFO research, inspired by a 1947 report. He also discusses the role of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in collecting and researching UFO reports.

How to Classify a Close Encounter

This section explains Dr. J. Allen Hynek's three classifications for sightings within 200 yards: CE-I (observation without interaction), CE-II (interaction with the environment), and CE-III (presence of occupants).

How to File a Report About a UFO

This guide provides steps for reporting a UFO sighting, including getting multiple witnesses, taking pictures, making detailed notes, and protecting any landing sites. It directs individuals to call CUFOS or John Timmerman.

UFOs and Cattle Mutilations in the 1990s

This section details numerous reports of cattle mutilations and associated UFO activity in New Mexico during the 1990s. Incidents include mutilated cows, disappearances, strange lights, and unusual burn marks. The reports often describe precise surgical removal of organs and lack of blood or tracks, distinguishing them from typical animal deaths or sacrifices. The presence of unmarked helicopters and unusual residue on cattle are also noted.

Mysterious Lights Witnessed in Los Tanos Sky

This article by Davy Delgado recounts sightings of strange lights above Santa Rosa, New Mexico, in late 1996. Edward Salazar, an employee, saw lights resembling the moon moving across the sky, followed by smaller lights. The article compares these sightings to historical events in Santa Rosa, including sinkhole collapses and earlier reports of 'fireballs' and mysterious lights in the sky. It references the 'X-Files' theory and the possibility of meteorite impacts, while noting the similarities to unexplained phenomena.

Crop circle investigation still underway in the area

This article from the TRI-WEEKLY NEWS reports on the ongoing investigation into crop circles, specifically one found in Columbia City, Indiana. Roger Sugdon of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is investigating. The article notes that while some crop circles are dismissed as hoaxes, others, like the one in Paulding County, Ohio, have shown higher radiation levels and significant changes in wheat samples, as reported by Dr. William Levengood of the BLT Research Team. The findings suggest these changes are not man-made, though not all crop circles are necessarily linked to UFOs.

Object in sky caught on film

This article from the Kenosha News describes a sighting by Marcy Effinger and her son, who observed a large, oval-shaped object hovering in the sky, accompanied by a smaller one. Later, Marcy saw a single object that appeared larger than airplanes and moved erratically. Debbie Mumm also reported seeing unusual lights. The article notes that no suspicious calls were received by local law enforcement, and air traffic controllers reported no unusual activity. Susan Washack also reported seeing a white light suspended in the sky in the same field previously.

Millionaire Leads Quest for UFO Data

This Deseret News article reports on millionaire Robert T. Bigelow's purchase of the Sherman ranch in Uintah County, Utah, to research UFOs and paranormal activity. Bigelow has assembled a team of scientists and a veterinarian to conduct high-quality research with a standard scientific approach. The Shermans, the previous owners, reported witnessing UFOs, lights emerging from 'doorways,' cattle mutilations, and disappearances. The research is being conducted by the National Institute for Discovery Science, which aims to make information widely available, though details are currently kept confidential. Regional UFO researchers express concern over the secrecy of the investigation.

UFO? Cannon Bridge Road sightings 'couldn't be an airplane'

This article from the TIMES & DEMOCRAT reports on UFO sightings along Cannon Bridge Road in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Eyewitnesses described a shiny, oval object with a single light that moved incredibly fast, unlike any airplane. The object was seen hovering briefly before disappearing at high speed. The local sheriff's office had not received any calls, and North Air Force Base reported a deployment exercise but could not be reached for further comment. Jody Pendarvis, builder of the UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, expressed his openness to UFO landings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings and encounters, the growing public interest in the phenomenon, and the persistent question of government knowledge and potential cover-ups. The publication presents a range of perspectives, from personal anecdotes and local group activities to scientific investigations and the efforts of dedicated researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena and the need for further investigation. The inclusion of historical reports and ongoing research efforts underscores a long-standing interest in UFOs and related mysteries.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated October 1996, focuses on a variety of paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and related investigations. The cover story highlights Art Bell, a prominent radio host known for his late-night program "Coast to Coast AM," which delves into topics like UFOs, alien abductions, and conspiracy theories. The magazine also features articles on crop circles, historical UFO accounts, and contemporary sightings from around the world.

Art Bell: Radio's Prince of the Paranormal

The lead article profiles Art Bell, describing him as the "clearinghouse for bizarre nouveau folklore." Bell broadcasts live from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. nightly, reaching an estimated 8 to 10 million listeners. His shows, "Coast to Coast AM" and "Dreamland," cover a wide range of paranormal subjects, including chupacabra, reverse speech, secret messages of the pyramids, UFOs, remote viewing, prophecy, alien abductions, lost Martian civilizations, crop circles, and time travel. Bell himself has had a UFO sighting, describing a large triangular craft. He receives threats via fax, phone, and mail, leading him and his wife, Ramona, to obtain concealed weapons permits. The article lists several frequent guests on his show, such as Ed Dames (remote viewer), Richard Hoagland (researcher of lunar and Martian structures), Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14 astronaut), Linda Moulton Howe (producer investigating crop circles), and Gordon Michael Scallion (futurist with predictions of earthquakes and hurricanes). Bell maintains a journalistic approach, allowing guests and listeners to present their cases and draw their own conclusions, though he expresses skepticism towards channelers and faith healers. He acknowledges the possibility of deception, particularly from religious perspectives, and describes the current era as "The Quickening," a period of intense change.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several contemporary UFO sighting reports:

• Bellingham, WA (September 21, 1996): An anonymous reader reported seeing a silvery, disklike object emerge from behind clouds and pass across the moon.
• Matteson, IL (September 22, 1996): Pamela Russel and her children observed a bright orange and silver object that broke into two pieces and fell vertically.
• Bethany, MO (October 9, 1996): An article discusses a century-old controversy about an "airship landing," which was later revealed to be a hoax perpetrated by a "congenital liar."
• Clay County, TX (October 15, 1996): Two sheriff's deputies spotted "five separate blinking lights" in the sky, with one object racing off.
• Everglades (March 16, 1965): Jimmy Flynn recounted an encounter with a cone-shaped aircraft that descended, and a beam of light struck him.
• Sinai Desert (1974): Ze'ev Kolman claims an encounter with extraterrestrials gave him the power to heal people with "bioenergy."
• Little Clacton, England (1982): Ros Reynolds-Parnham shared her story of being abducted by "beings" from a spacecraft.
• Barnsley, England (May 24, 1996): Gary Steadman recorded video of a mysterious bright light hovering over Barnsley.
• Polegate, England (April 10, 1996): Mrs Olive Stookes reported seeing three circular objects of different colors flying in formation.
• Burton, England (May 21, 1996): The area was declared a UFO "hot spot" due to dozens of sightings of "flying triangles."

Crop Circles and Scientific Explanations

An article from Defiance, OH (July 21, 1996) discusses findings at a crop circle site in Paulding, Ohio. Dr. William C. Levengood, a biophysicist, reported that wheat samples from the circle showed swollen nodes and enlarged cell wall pit diameters, suggesting a "significant change" not likely made by humans. Levengood and Nancy Talbot of BTL Research Team theorize that crop circles might be linked to atmospheric vortices, possibly influenced by ozone depletion or magnetic potential in the soil. Another article from Rocanville, Saskatchewan (September 11, 1996) details the discovery of two large crop circles and discusses theories ranging from hoaxes to natural phenomena like atmospheric vortices and electrical forces. Research suggests that plants within crop formations display anatomical alterations that cannot be explained by human intervention, and that the phenomenon may be linked to the 11-year solar cycle and sunspot activity.

Historical and Other Reports

• Classical Times: An article from London (May 31, 1996) explores the possibility that ancient Greeks and Romans may have witnessed UFOs, citing historical texts and the Dogon tribe's astronomical knowledge, which they attribute to alien visitors from the Sirius system.
• Hale-Bopp Comet: Reports from Albuquerque, NM (October 18, 1996) and Anchorage, AK (December 4, 1996) discuss conspiracy theories surrounding the Hale-Bopp comet, including claims of an alien spacecraft and government cover-ups. Astronomer Alan Hale attributes these stories to a lack of science literacy.
• Cattle Mutilations: Articles from Red Bluff, CA (October 18, 1996) and Taos, NM (October 10, 1996) detail mysterious cattle mutilations, characterized by the precise removal of organs and lack of blood or tracks. These incidents are attributed to various causes, including satanic cults, UFOs, and covert government operations.
• Bigfoot: A report from Waitsburg, WA (October 31, 1996) discusses sightings of Bigfoot families in the Blue Mountains of Washington, and a book by Russian scientist Dmitri Bayanov, "In the Footsteps of the Russian Snowman," which compiles historical accounts of Bigfoot sightings and research.
• Elves in Toilets: A report from San Francisco, CA (August 1996) mentions a peculiar incident in Masaya, Nicaragua, where children claimed to have seen elves emerging from toilet bowls, with one theory suggesting hunger as a cause.

New UFO Magazines

Two new magazines, "Sightings" and "UFO Reality," are launched with the aim of providing objective and detailed investigations into UFO phenomena, focusing on credible witnesses and expert research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting a wide range of UFO sightings, alien encounter accounts, and paranormal phenomena. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation, as seen in the crop circle articles, but also a willingness to entertain more speculative theories, particularly those discussed by radio host Art Bell. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for credible evidence and skepticism, as highlighted by the critique of the Hale-Bopp comet theories and the investigation into the Bethany airship hoax.