UFO Newsclipping Service - 1997 10 - no 339

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 1997, is a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related phenomena, drawing from various newspapers and publications across the United States. The editor and publisher is Lucius Farish. The main cover headline is "Look - up in the sky: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ...".

Skywatch Diary by Carole Baker

Carole Baker reports on a quiet week at Shoreline Park with no sightings, but notes visitors from Ft. Lauderdale and Naples, FL. She mentions cooler evenings due to cold fronts. Several local sightings are detailed: three reports from the Gulf Breeze area on July 30, 1997, involving amber lights in the sky, and sightings on Perdido Key during Hurricane Danny on July 18-20, 1997, involving a cylindrical object that alternated colors and moved at high speed. Baker also highlights Michael Williamson, an author from Plano, Texas, who writes a regular column on 'Unexplained Mysteries' for the Plano Star Courier, discussing well-known UFO incidents and historical cases like the Aurora, Texas, airship incident of 1897 and a 1946 sighting by a B-29 crew.

Information is provided for the upcoming Project Awareness Tampa UFO Conference (October 31-November 2, 1997) and the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON Hotline. Baker encourages readers to report sightings and keep looking up.

Itemizer-Observer, Dallas, OR - July 30, 1997

This article recounts Lyle French's sighting of a bright light descending near his home in Monmouth, OR, on July 27, 1997. French, 84, described the object as being only 200 feet off the ground before it 'simply turned off its headlights.' News reports attributed similar sightings to meteorites, but French believed it was something else, questioning the possibility of intelligent life buzzing neighborhoods.

N.W. Florida Daily News, Ft. Walton Beach, FL - Sept. 7, 1997

In a letter to the editor, CR: B. Reid discusses Eglin Air Force Base's response to an object sighting. The writer references Colonel Phil Corso's book, "The Day After Roswell," and suggests the government covered up the recovery of a UFO near Roswell in 1947. The writer also describes a personal sighting of a bright, comet-like object and two dim lights traveling at high speed over the Gulf of Mexico.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, AR - Sept. 27, 1997

This article reports on a Swissair jetliner's encounter with an unidentified flying object near Philadelphia on August 9, 1997. The object reportedly sped by about 50 yards from the plane at 23,000 feet. The crew described it as long and wingless, while the copilot noted it was more spherical. Authorities speculated it was a weather balloon, not self-propelled.

News, Waverly, NE - July 17, 1997

'Crop circles cause speculation' by Jodi Fuson details the discovery of two circular depressions and a key-like projection in a wheat field near Waverly, Nebraska, by teenagers B.J. Kruse and Nick Bartlett. The patterns were measured, and the wheat was found to be bent, not broken. Scientist W.C. Levengood's theory of 'ion plasma vortices' is mentioned as a possible explanation. A local sheriff's deputy reported a brief description of the image, and a report of an unidentified flying object near Pawnee Lake that same weekend was also noted.

News, Ann Arbor, MI - Aug. 13, 1997

'Is the truth out there for UFOs?' by Melanie Feliciano reports on a talk by Bill and Linda Murphy, state co-directors of MUFON, in Michigan. They presented over 50 possible UFO scenarios reported in the state between 1994 and 1995. Michigan is noted as the fourth leading state in UFO reports. The article mentions specific cases, including an Oscoda woman's sighting of a craft and Traverse City children's experience. Harry Willnus, a former MUFON state director, estimated that one in ten people have had an alien experience. The article touches on the influence of mass media and the Roswell case.

Letters to the editor - Independent, Grand Island, NE - July 29, 1997

Dee Powell writes a letter offering 'Another perspective on existence of UFOs,' referencing a previous column by George Ayoub. Powell shares a personal account of her husband working for the FBI under J.E. Hoover, who allegedly told her about the Roswell incident and the recovery of alien bodies. Powell also discusses ancient texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Mahabharata, suggesting connections to advanced technology and extraterrestrial visitors.

Times, Seattle, WA - July 17, 1997

'They Came Here First!' by Victoria Ellison reviews an art exhibition at the Center on Contemporary Art (COCA) in Seattle, featuring works by 40 artists exploring UFOs and alien themes. The exhibition includes movie posters, toys, and conceptual art. It highlights artists like Ionel Talpazon, whose work depicts alien abductions, and Markus Tracy, whose pinhole photographs capture saucer landings. The article also mentions a panel discussion titled 'An Evening With the Experts' on the millennial meaning of aliens.

N.W. Florida Daily News, Ft. Walton Beach, FL - Sept. 6, 1997

'Witnesses positive something fell from sky' by John Keegan reports on an incident where Eglin Air Force Base concluded its search for an object seen in the north Walton County skies, stating no civilian or military planes were missing. Eyewitnesses, including Kent and Phyllis Scebbi, reported seeing bright lights. The search involved Eglin Range Patrol, a C-130, sheriff's deputies, and volunteers. The article notes a possible explanation of a meteor or a drug drop, but Eglin officials consider the matter closed.

South County Journal, Kent, WA - June 24, 1997

'UFOs Everywhere!' by Merry Hayes discusses the 50th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting near Mount Rainier and the Roswell incident. The article explores various theories about UFOs, including extraterrestrials, time travelers, and beings from other dimensions. Skeptics like Barry Karr of the Skeptical Inquirer magazine emphasize the lack of physical scientific evidence. Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, compiles sighting reports and notes that over 90 percent of reported UFOs have identifiable explanations.

Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT - July 6, 1997

'Family saw silver discs zipping through Utah's skies' by Zack Van Eyck recounts the 1947 experience of Earl 'Skip' Page, his wife Beulah, and their son Ronald, who reported seeing silver-colored disc-shaped objects pass close to their plane. They kept the experience private due to ridicule. The article also mentions Ted Bloecher's research on the 'wave of '47' and Frank Salisbury's book, 'The Utah UFO Display.'

Journal, Alexandria, VA - Sept. 30, 1997

'More stonewalling on UFO information' by Larry W. Bryant discusses a Freedom of Information Act request regarding retired Lt. Col. Philip J. Corso's claims about the back-engineering of crashed UFOs. The author expresses frustration with the Army's lack of response and the U.S. Attorney's refusal to empanel a grand jury.

Capper's, Topeka, KS - Sept. 9, 1997

'Hypnotherapist believes patients may have been alien abductees' by Karen Testa profiles John Carpenter, a licensed clinical social worker who uses hypnosis to interview patients about alleged alien abductions. Carpenter describes common characteristics of aliens and abduction experiences, noting that abductions often continue through generations. Skeptics question the validity of his anecdotal evidence.

Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT - July 6, 1997

'Close encounters in Utah' by Zack Van Eyck details Lennis Gines' account of seeing blue and yellow lights and a white beam on her property in 1972. Her son Sam reported seeing a doorway and shadows on the ground. The incident is linked to a flattened grass pattern. The article also mentions Craig Gines' encounter with a UFO and a stalled car. It highlights the Uintah Basin's history of UFO observations and the work of UFO investigators like Mildred Biesele and Ryan Layton.

Independent, Chewelah, WA - Aug. 21, 1997

'UFOs reported over Chewelah' reports on residents witnessing strong winds and strange noises before seeing unidentified flying objects. Witnesses described rotating lights and objects described as flat on the bottom with a domed top. The article suggests the lights might have been from a rotating laser light installed at the Spokane Tribal Bingo Casino.

Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL - July 9, 1997

Carole Baker's 'Skywatch Diary' reports on a skywatching event in the Foley/Fairhope area that was hampered by rain. She mentions a new report from investigator Clopton Jones regarding a witness who saw a ring of lights and later several lights close together forming a configuration. A private pilot also reported seeing a disc-shaped object and two house trailers and a shed on the ground. The witness reported a 'whine type noise' and a discolored circle of grass. The article also mentions Caryl Dennis, an experiencer and researcher of UFO phenomena, and her books on colors and 'Millenium Children.'

Times Union, Albany, NY - May 16, 1997

'Man not alone retelling tale of alien abduction' by Darryl Campagna features Richard Price Sr., who claims he was abducted by aliens at age 8 and had an implant placed in him. Price recounts his experience, the implant, and its effect on his life. He discusses his disagreement with a professor's finding that the implant was not extraterrestrial. Price is now unemployed and living on Social Security disability.

Star Ledger, Newark, NJ - June 27, 1997

'The search for signs of life in cyberspace' by Terry Schwadron explores websites related to the Roswell incident. The article reviews sites that present evidence, testimony, and counterclaims, including the Government Accounting Office Report. It notes that the Web is a forum for the Roswell debate, where presentation may matter more than facts.

Transcript, Norman, OK - July 9, 1997

'Norman had its own UFOs 50 years ago' by Rob Collins details reported UFO sightings in Norman, Oklahoma, in July 1947. W.H. Carson, dean of engineering at the University of Oklahoma, reported spotting unidentified flying objects. Mrs. Dewey Clawson reported seeing a falling object. The article also mentions the Air Force's announcement regarding the Roswell wreckage and the nationwide UFO frenzy of that summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the persistent mystery surrounding these phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on witness accounts, personal experiences, and the ongoing efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate and document these events. The issue also touches upon the historical context of UFO phenomena, particularly the 1947 Roswell incident and the 'wave of '47,' and explores the role of government, media, and skepticism in shaping public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics.

This issue of the TRIBUNE, dated July 9, 1997, features a cover story questioning the origin of crop circles, posing whether they are signs of extraterrestrial life or the work of pranksters. The main headline, "Extraterrestrial Life? Or Joker Up Late at Night?", sets the tone for the articles that follow.

Crop Circles in Smithfield, Utah

The lead article details the discovery of mysterious crop circles in a barley field in Smithfield, Utah, owned by farmer Gary Hansen. The circles, first noticed on Sunday morning, have attracted numerous sightseers. Hansen's daughter, Maegan, noted two unusual aspects: a compass needle spinning wildly within the circles and the undisturbed state of the rocks. Her brother, Dustin, highlighted the precise way the grain stalks were laid down without breaking kernels. Gary Hansen himself expressed his mystification, stating he had never seen anything like it and that the circles had caused him about $500 in trampled grain. He admitted the phenomenon was making him reconsider his disbelief in UFOs.

The article also touches upon previous crop circle incidents in the county, including one in farmer Seth Alder's field in Providence in August 1996. While the county sheriff's department did not investigate the latest incident, some speculated the designs were made by the devil or angels. One observer suggested they were gifts of art from a higher intelligence. Maegan Hansen mentioned that some friends called her the "Alien Girl."

Second Crop Circle in Waverly, Nebraska

Another article from the JOURNAL-STAR, Lincoln, NE, dated July 14, 1997, reports on a second crop circle discovered in a wheat field in Waverly, Nebraska. This circle was found by two 16-year-olds, Craig Boline and Nate Kellison, about 10 feet away from a previously discovered circle. Boline suspects teenagers he saw near the first circles may be responsible for this one. The second circle was smaller, and it appeared that people had walked between the crop circles, trampling wheat. The stalks in this new circle were broken off near the ground and flattened counter-clockwise, while the wheat on the outer rim was flattened clockwise but not broken off.

Brenda Kruse, Boline's mother, explained that she saw about five cars parked on a dead-end road near the first crop circle shortly after midnight Sunday. She believes the first circle was genuine, but the second one is suspicious. Thomas Zuercher, a farmer who works the wheat field, stated he had never seen anything like it in 25 years and noted there were no tracks or footprints leading to the first circle. He combined the wheat field by late Sunday afternoon, making further investigation impossible.

The article also mentions Hank Highsmith, who claims to have seen about 20 crop circles 20 years prior, around July 4, 1977, in a wheat field between Prairie Home and Waverly.

UFO History in Irish Hills, Michigan

A separate article from the DAILY TELEGRAPH, Adrian, MI, dated July 20, 1997, highlights the Irish Hills area in Lenawee County, Michigan, as a traditional sighting ground for UFOs. It recounts two sightings from December 1967: David and Kenneth Kennedy reported a bright, stationary light that later moved rapidly and was described as huge and triangular with red lights at each corner. Two Adrian High School students also reported seeing a similar large object with red and yellow lights that moved rapidly and silently.

Don Berliner, a committee member of The Fund for UFO Research, estimates that 90 percent of sightings go unreported due to fear of ridicule. Dan Wright, an investigator of alien abduction stories, notes that several families in the Irish Hills area report regular visits from UFOs, with abduction accounts closely matching those from other regions.

Editorial: "Duped Again" from Texarkana Gazette

A commentary from the GAZETTE, Texarkana, AR/TX, dated August 6, 1997, titled "Duped Again," criticizes the U.S. government for downplaying UFO sightings during the Cold War, fearing mass hysteria would aid the Soviets. Historian Gerald K. Haines revealed that the CIA worked to debunk UFO reports. The editorial questions the government's lack of trust in its citizens and reflects on the public's desire for peace and quiet after World War II and the Korean War. It concludes by emphasizing the need for active public interest in government functions and vigilance.

Other UFO Sightings and Research

Several other short articles report on various UFO-related events:

• Burton Mail, England (June 12, 1997): Reports of "flying bricks" and a "pinky brown brick shaped object" in the sky above Newhall, Staffordshire, leading to a UFO investigation. A lorry driver described a "giant airborne black mass" resembling a brick.
• Brighton & Hove Leader, England (July 3, 1997): UFO hunter Larry Dean notes that the area is a potential site for extraterrestrial activity, particularly around late July and early August. Reports include sightings of triangular craft, strange lights, and cylindrical objects.
• Citizen, Harlow, England (June 4, 1997): A specialist author claims Harlow is a "hotbed of UFOs," with readers reporting unusual lights and oval grey and white objects with domed tops.
• Southend Evening Echo, England (June 23, 1997): Forklift truck driver Andrew Blue reported seeing a "cigar-shaped object" with red and white lights off Shoebury, described as twice the size of a house.
• Star, Sheffield, England (June 23, 1997): Discusses the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's "flying saucers" sighting. It highlights a famous 1966 photograph of three "flying saucers" taken by Stephen Pratt in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, which is being re-examined for authenticity. The Pratt family claims to have suffered abuse due to the publicity.
• Bradford Star, England (February 6, 1997): Claims the Bradford district is a "hot-spot of alien activity," with over 30 people witnessing strange phenomena. UFO investigator Russell Kellett is mounting a crusade to draw attention to these sightings.
• Matlock Mercury, England (June 5, 1997): A delivery man reported seeing a black, skip-shaped object moving quickly above Middleton-by-Wirksworth.
• Daily Mail, London, England (June 13, 1997): Reports an "airliner's near-miss" where Aer Lingus pilots saw an unknown "red, white and blue" object passing below them at 9,000ft over Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
• Evening Times, Glasgow, Scotland (June 21, 1997): Reports a "MYSTERY OVER LOCH SIGHTING" where a priest, businessman, and microlight pilot photographed a "200ft blue and red object" in Loch Nevis. Local coastguards and police found something on echo sounders, but divers found nothing.
• Evening News, Scarborough, England (June 28, 1997): Reports "UFO sightings on the increase" in the East Coast area, with a fourth witness describing an object similar to a 1950s-style flying saucer.
• Western Mail, Cardiff, Wales (June 25, 1997): A Labour MEP challenged Eurocrats to explain UFO sightings, asking if European airspace has been penetrated by unidentified craft exceeding aircraft capabilities.
• Stockport Express Advertiser, England (June 18, 1997): A family reported being "terrified" by a "brightly lit object" on the M56 motorway, described as a triangle with red lights and a white center, which moved at high speed.
• Shropshire Journal, England (July 11, 1997): A local couple claims to have been spotting a "strange moving brightly lit object" in the night sky above Craven Arms for over a month.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch

Several articles focus on Bigfoot and Sasquatch legends:

• The Columbian, Vancouver, WA (August 21, 1997): Reports on "Bigfoot Daze" in Carson, Washington, an event for believers and non-believers to debate the existence of Bigfoot. It mentions author Robert Michael Pyle's book "Where Bigfoot Walks" and the International Sasquatch Symposium.
• The Bellingham Herald, WA (June 4, 1997): Features biologist Robert Michael Pyle defending the Bigfoot legend as a metaphor for the wild. Pyle discusses his book and the symbolism of Bigfoot.
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, AR (September 21, 1997): Discusses a "Bigfoot tales" file in California, containing correspondence and applications to list Sasquatch as an endangered species. It includes accounts of sightings and descriptions of the creature.
• Observer, Charlotte, NC (September 20, 1997): Reports on the "Skunk Ape," the Everglades' version of Bigfoot, with a recent photo claimed as new evidence. It mentions David Shealy, a campground owner and Bigfoot enthusiast.
• Times, Seattle, WA (June 9, 1997): Features John Bindernagel, a wildlife biologist, presenting his hypothesis that a great ape, known as Bigfoot, lurks in the Pacific Northwest. He has compiled extensive reports and evidence.

Spontaneous Human Combustion

• Post, Salisbury, NC (September 14, 1997): An article about author Larry E. Arnold's research into "spontaneous human combustion," detailing cases like Dr. John Irving Bentley and Jack Bundy Angel. Arnold discusses theories, characteristics of the phenomenon, and his book "Ablaze."

Other

• The Herald, Glasgow, Scotland (June 12, 1997): A local councillor demands an inquiry into UFO sightings over Bonnybridge, Scotland.
• Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN (September 8, 1997): An article about "Out-of-this world searches hitting Internet," promoting the SETIHome project, which allows internet users to contribute to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, AR (September 14, 1997): Reports on a "Virgin Mary atop steeple in Egypt?" incident, where Muslims attacked Christian homes and shops after sightings of the Virgin Mary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, primarily UFOs and crop circles, with a consistent exploration of whether these events are genuine or hoaxes. There's a notable focus on eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations (or lack thereof), and the public's fascination with the unknown. The editorial "Duped Again" suggests a critical stance towards government transparency regarding UFOs. The articles also touch upon cryptids like Bigfoot and Sasquatch, and even the controversial topic of spontaneous human combustion, indicating a broad interest in mysteries that challenge conventional understanding. The overall tone leans towards presenting reported phenomena and the various theories surrounding them, often highlighting the skepticism and the search for definitive proof.