UFO Newsclipping Service - 1997 06 - no 335

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 1997, focuses on the growing public interest in UFO phenomena and alien encounters, as well as the ongoing efforts by researchers and experiencers to understand and document these events. The cover story highlights Paul Cohen's initiative to establish a support group for 'experiencers' in South Florida, emphasizing the psychological impact of such encounters. The issue also touches upon the increasing attention UFO reports are receiving from public officials, as seen in Phoenix, Arizona.

Key Articles and Features

'Ufologist' Urges Close Encounter Therapy

By Robert Nolin, Staff Writer, SUN-SENTINEL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 9, 1997.
This article introduces Paul Cohen, a ufologist and certified mental health counselor who has established a support group for 'experiencers' in South Florida. Cohen believes there is a pressing need for such groups due to the rise in UFO sightings and the traumatic nature of encounters. He notes that many people are reluctant to discuss their experiences for fear of ridicule. The article features 'Jody,' a woman who claims lifelong contact with extraterrestrials, and Dawn Sullivan, another experiencer who has become involved in UFO research and created an internet page. Cheryl Landy, a licensed psychologist, shares her experience treating patients traumatized by UFO encounters, noting that many are well-functioning individuals who experience significant mental isolation and shame.

UFO Reports Get Attention at City Hall

EASTSIDE JOURNAL, Bellevue, WA, May 11, 1997. The Arizona Republic.
This report details how UFO sightings are prompting attention from city officials in Phoenix, Arizona. Councilwoman Frances Emma Barwood has requested city staff to investigate strange lights reported in the sky. Despite not seeing the lights herself, she was influenced by public reports and media coverage. The assistant city manager has asked the police to look into the sightings. The article mentions a March sighting that flooded the National UFO Reporting Center with calls and was described as 'the most dramatic sighting' in years. It also notes the sighting was featured on the radio program 'The Edge of Reality.' Barwood expresses an open mind about the existence of UFOs, suggesting that if God created the universe, he could have created other life forms. UFO researchers are still seeking explanations, and Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center is encouraged by the public official's serious approach.

Believe It or Not, City Had Own UFO 100 Years Ago

By Matt Moline, Special to The Capital-Journal, CAPITAL-JOURNAL, Topeka, KS, March 23, 1997.
This article revisits the UFO hysteria of 1897, focusing on an alleged 'mystery airship' sighting over Topeka on March 27, 1897. The event, witnessed by over a thousand residents, was part of a nationwide panic that began in California in November 1896. George Eberhart, director of publications at the Hynek Center for UFO Studies, attributes the hysteria to exaggerated newspaper accounts and a vivid public imagination. The article notes that many sightings were likely misidentifications of stars, planets, or balloons, but the media's sensationalism fueled the phenomenon. It also mentions a hoax involving a farmer who claimed aliens abducted a heifer. UFO historian Jerome Clark suggests that the 1897 sightings were generated by people's experiences rather than hoaxes.

Plaskett Did the Right Thing

By J. Bartlett, NEWS JOURNAL, Daytona Beach, FL, May 11, 1997.
This is a letter to the editor defending Lynne Plaskett, a former Volusia County Council member, regarding her experience with a cancer cure attributed to UFO healing. The writer, identified as Lynne's husband, Bill Plaskett, asserts that the medical documentation for the cure is verifiable and that the case is in the American Medical Journal. He defends the timing of sharing the story and draws parallels to other public figures who have reported UFO sightings. He emphasizes that the positive response to sharing the story validates the decision.

Skywatch Diary

By Carole Baker, ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL, May 7, 1997.
This column reports on recent UFO activity in Baldwin County, Alabama, including ongoing sightings following a January cattle mutilation. Investigators Clopton and Sue Jones documented a daylight sighting and a nighttime sighting with video footage of a cone-shaped object. The story was covered by local news outlets and featured on WKRG TV5. The column also mentions sightings in the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze area and the ongoing investigation of events in Baldwin County. It notes that NBC affiliates have also been interested in the local sightings.

UFOs of Enthusiasm, Skepticism

By Kevin Potter, NEWS & OBSERVER, Raleigh, NC, April 16, 1997.
This article explores the growing public fascination with UFOs, fueled by scientific discoveries suggesting life beyond Earth and the internet. It mentions a sighting by Steve Lee in North Raleigh of a cluster of lights that didn't behave like fireworks or helicopters. The article contrasts the enthusiasm of believers like George Fawcett, who advocates for a UFO museum, with the skepticism of researchers like Philip J. Klass, who attributes sightings to natural phenomena or military activity. It also touches on the Heaven's Gate cult suicide as an example of how UFO beliefs can be misinterpreted. The piece includes explanations for common misidentifications of celestial phenomena, such as stars, satellites, meteors, and aircraft.

Hot Clue on Crop Circle: High Heat Was Involved

By Zack Van Eyck, DESERET NEWS, Salt Lake City, UT, April 29-30, 1997.
This report details a scientific study of a crop circle found in a Cache County, Utah barley field. Researchers concluded that the pattern was not created by humans and involved high heat, possibly from a 'plasma vortex.' Tests on plant structures and soil samples revealed changes consistent with exposure to intense heat. The study was conducted by the BLT Research Team, including biophysicist W.C. Levengood. The article notes that the farmer who found the crop circle also reported a UFO sighting in the 1970s. The findings are presented as evidence supporting the theory that crop circles are natural phenomena.

Meteor Lights Up Sky, Phone Lines

By Andy Porter, WORLD, Coos Bay, OR, April 12, 1997.
This article discusses a bright light observed in the sky over Oregon that caused numerous calls to police and the Coast Guard. Astronomers and UFO watchers suggested it was likely a meteor, possibly from the Lyrid meteor shower or the comet Hale-Bopp. Peter B. Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center noted that the description was consistent with a large meteor. Other reports of strange objects were received by the center that night from Washington, Indiana, and Nevada.

Pentagon: Sightings of Missiles Doubtful

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, WASHINGTON.
This brief report addresses pilot sightings of what they believed to be missiles off the coast of Florida. A Pentagon spokesman stated that it was unlikely the missiles could be seen from New York, given their trajectory. The Navy confirmed testing Trident D-5 missiles, but stated they were launched eastward toward the Azores. The report also mentions the ongoing investigation into the TWA Flight 800 explosion and the possibility of a missile being involved.

My Life in the Light: Alien Experience in Superstitions Leads Couple to New Path

By Barbara Yost, The Arizona Republic, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Phoenix, AZ, May 1, 1997.
This feature story profiles Kaye and Wayne Kizziar, who have embraced UFO beliefs after Kaye's alleged alien encounter in 1987. Kaye claims to have been visited by an alien named V.G. and taken to the Superstition Mountains. She has written a trilogy of novels based on these experiences. The couple has sold their home to live closer to the mountains and plans to publish a newsletter, 'The Superstition Chronicles,' to share accounts from other experiencers. They believe in other life forms and dimensions and see their work as a way to help people find a voice and feel less alone.

A Retired Air Force Major from Medford Believes the Government is Telling Less Than It Knows About UFOs

By Al Klimcke, COURIER-POST, Cherry Hill, NJ, April 14, 1997.
This article profiles retired U.S. Air Force Major George A. Filer, who is the eastern regional director for MUFON. Filer recounts his first UFO sighting in 1962 over Oxford, England, and shares other accounts from his extensive collection of over 100,000 reports. He believes that many credible people are reluctant to speak about UFOs due to ridicule. Filer criticizes the Heaven's Gate cult suicide, stating they were 'duped by a very clever leader' who used UFO evidence to mislead them. He emphasizes the 'awesome experience' of seeing a UFO and believes that the government knows more than it reveals.

Ready to Meet the Aliens? Pack Your Bags!

By Jim Sparks, U.S.1 NEWSPAPER, Princeton, NJ, April 16, 1997.
This article features Jim Sparks, a real estate salesman who claims to have been abducted by aliens for hundreds or thousands of years for genetic material to create 'worker beings.' He believes these aliens need humans to clean up the planet to protect their investment. Sparks earns a living by speaking about his experiences and is participating in a UFO conference. The article contrasts his claims with the views of Elaine Showalter, a Princeton University professor who categorizes alien abductions as part of millennial hysteria. Sparks dismisses the Heaven's Gate mass suicide as 'absolute garbage' and believes that if the government revealed what it knows about real aliens, cults would have less to fantasize about.

Billy Dee says aliens stalking him

By Terry Anderson, PRESS-GAZETTE, Green Bay, WI, April 16, 1997.
This article profiles Billy Dohmeyer, also known as Billy Dee, who claims his family has been stalked by aliens for two decades. He alleges abduction experiences, including being put in a hospital bed and stuck with a hypodermic thing. Dohmeyer hosts a cable access show, 'Above and Beyond: UFO Exploration with Billy Dee,' and leads a support group called Sky Searchers International for Christians who have had alien encounters. He distinguishes himself from cults like Heaven's Gate, which he believes give ufologists a bad name. Dohmeyer believes aliens are interested in the human body and intellect for testing purposes.

UFO conference brings people from all walks of life

By Kay Hall, MORNING NEWS, Springdale, AR, April 20, 1997.
This column reflects on a UFO conference attended by the author in Eureka Springs. The author expresses a long-held belief in UFOs, distinguishing between government experimental vehicles and genuine extraterrestrial craft. The article notes the diverse backgrounds of conference attendees, including military personnel, teachers, and engineers. The author highlights speakers Dolores Cannon and Joe Lewels, and discusses the compatibility of science and religion in understanding UFO phenomena. The author emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind at such conferences.

UFO sightings abound in western Piedmont

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Yadkinville.
This article reports on UFO sightings in North Carolina, noting a division between those who see them as flights of fancy and those who believe they are real incursions by aliens. Bill Foster describes seeing a triangular object with red lights. George Fawcett of MUFON North Carolina believes something significant is happening, estimating that only a fraction of sightings are reported. The article mentions the historical reputation of the western Piedmont area for UFO sightings and discusses theories about aliens being attracted to Pilot Mountain. It also touches on scientific explanations for sightings, such as meteors and military aircraft, and the possibility of extraterrestrials tapping into transmission towers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings and alien encounter reports, the growing public acceptance and interest in these phenomena, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There is a clear emphasis on the psychological and social impact of these experiences on individuals and the challenges they face in being taken seriously. The articles highlight the efforts of researchers, ufologists, and experiencers to document, understand, and share their findings, often in the face of government secrecy and public ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, experiencers, and skeptics, while also acknowledging the scientific challenges and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes within the field. The issue also touches on the role of the internet in disseminating information and fostering communities around these topics.

This issue of UFO-watch, dated May 15, 1997, focuses on the persistent phenomenon of UFO sightings and the challenges faced by those who report them. The main article, "Believers say ridicule deters reports" by Paula Christian, highlights accounts from Northwest North Carolina, where numerous sightings have occurred. The magazine also includes a column by Carole Baker titled "Skywatch Diary," which discusses local park improvements and their impact on skywatching, as well as reports from other regions.

Believers Say Ridicule Deters Reports

The lead article details the experiences of individuals like Bill Foster, who reported seeing a large, silent, triangular object with red lights on each corner near Yadkinville. Foster's conviction that the craft was beyond current technology is echoed by others who have reported similar sightings in Northwest North Carolina between October 1996 and January 1997. George Fawcett, founder of MUFON in North Carolina, notes an increase in reports and believes something significant is happening. The article cites a Newsweek survey indicating a high public belief in UFOs and aliens, further fueled by popular culture like "The X-Files."

Jack Edwards shares his experience of seeing a UFO and expresses the fear of ridicule that prevents many from reporting their sightings. Walt Andrus, director of MUFON, acknowledges this fear and notes that states with strong MUFON chapters tend to have more reported sightings because people know who to contact. North Carolina has a history of frequent UFO sightings, ranking fourth in a 1979 report by the Center for UFO Studies. Barbara Thompson, an investigator, suggests a possible 'window' near Pilot Mountain where UFOs may travel between dimensions, potentially attracted by the area's geological features. Skeptics like Philip Klass believe all sightings can be explained, while others, like Dr. Tom Mutton, offer scientific explanations for some phenomena. The article also touches on the historical context of UFO sightings, referencing the 1947 Roswell crash.

Skywatch Diary

Carole Baker's column expresses concern over the 'improvements' at Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze, Florida, which she believes detract from its natural beauty and hinder skywatching. She laments the trend of people distancing themselves from nature and criticizes the construction of a large boardwalk structure and areas for personal watercraft, which she feels will disrupt the peace and quiet. Baker also mentions exciting activity in Baldwin County, Alabama, including sightings and cattle mutilations, and notes that the Gulf Breeze Research Team is investigating these events.

Other Reports and Articles

Several other articles and reports are included:

• Neighbors deny reports of abandoned Area 51: This article from the Daily News discusses reports that Area 51 has been abandoned, citing a Popular Mechanics magazine cover story. However, a Washington source and locals deny these claims, suggesting operations are still ongoing.

• UFOs over Kingsway swarm: Mark Tonner reports on sightings in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, including a triangular craft and claims of harassment by UFOs. He notes that MUFON receives numerous reports from the Lower Mainland and that B.C. hosts the most UFO activity in Canada. A specific corridor over-represented in sightings is identified.

• Man's night fright: A personal account from Wigan, England, where a man named Rob reports a strange, intense, piercing sound and a feeling of dizziness, which he suspects might be related to a UFO.

• Alien-abducted local man gives collection thumbs-up: This article from Wigan, England, discusses a new local history book, "Wigan UFOs: A Brief History," compiled by the Wigan Area Society for Paranormal Study and Investigation (WasPsi). The book documents sightings and alien abductions, including the experience of Bill Eatock.

• Flying triangle joins balls of light on roll call of mystery: A report from Cardiff, Wales, about a new society investigating sightings of a mysterious black triangle and other unexplained lights in the sky around Cardigan Bay. The society is creating a database of UFO sightings in West Wales.

• Is this Britain's Top Secret £100m Plane?: An article from London, England, discusses a photograph of a mysterious triangular object taken over Britain, which UFO experts believe could be proof of a secret British Stealth-type warplane codenamed HALO.

• A winter's tale - of a UFO encounter: A report from Leicester, England, about a man who claims to have seen a dark, triangular object with brilliant white lights hovering in a field near his home.

• Experts to look into Norfolk UFO reports: An article from Norwich, England, about experts investigating reports of a slow-moving, shining object seen over North Norfolk by two policemen.

• UFO group probes sighting of mystery object at Tintagel: A report from Launceston, England, about a UFO research group appealing for witnesses to a mystery object seen in the Tintagel area.

• On trail of UFOs: A report from Stourbridge, England, about a newly-formed 'X-Files' group celebrating its first publication of a UFO photograph.

• A biggie Bigfoot story!: An article discussing a Bigfoot sighting in the Himalayas, as recounted in the book "The Long Walk" by Slavomir Rawics.

• Mythical 'Big Foot' sighted in China: A brief report about claims of a mythical "Big Foot" sighting in China's Xinjiang region.

• Space snowballs not so oddball now: An article from Little Rock, Arkansas, discussing studies that appear to redeem the theory that comet ice hits Earth daily.

• Sphinx rivets scholars, 'Pyramidiots' alike: An article from Little Rock, Arkansas, about a dispute over research into the Great Sphinx of Giza and claims of a hidden chamber.

• Group hopes Web site helps solve mutilations: An article from Taos, New Mexico, about a scientific institute backing investigations into cattle mutilations.

• Hale-Bopp hate mail rains down on NASA: An article from Little Rock, Arkansas, detailing accusations that NASA is covering up information about comet Hale-Bopp.

• Odd cloud baffles Taos residents: A report from Taos, New Mexico, about a puzzling cloud that caused confusion and calls to emergency agencies.

• Bible code, or text within text, finally solved, new book claims: An article from Little Rock, Arkansas, about a new book claiming to have cracked the Bible code.

• Jupiter found to be wet, dry, unstable-much like Earth: An article from Conway, Arkansas, discussing new findings about Jupiter's atmosphere and weather patterns.

• Hunt for aliens shifts to scan darker realms: An article from Anchorage, Alaska, discussing the evolving scientific perspective on alien life, suggesting it might exist in dark, extreme environments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the ongoing debate between belief and skepticism. There's a clear emphasis on witness accounts and the challenges they face in reporting their experiences due to fear of ridicule. Organizations like MUFON are presented as key players in investigating these phenomena. The magazine also touches upon scientific explanations, government secrecy, and the public's fascination with the unknown, often fueled by popular media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, investigators, and skeptics, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs.