UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 03 - no 344

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated March 1998, is identified as Number 344. The publication is from the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, based in Plumerville, Arkansas, USA. The cover headline prominently features "UFOs invade Barwood race," indicating a focus on political engagement with the UFO topic.

Article: UFOs invade Barwood race

This article, by Michael Murphy from the Arizona Republic, details Frances Emma Barwood's unconventional political campaign for secretary of state in Arizona. Barwood, a former Phoenix vice mayor, has vowed to make UFO disclosure a central issue, aiming to force the government to reveal evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. Her campaign manager, Stephen Bassett, a lobbyist for UFOlogists, anticipates global interest and campaign contributions, promising an aggressive approach. Barwood, a Republican, faces potential opposition from her party's establishment, with State GOP Chairman Mike Hellon quipping about the unusual platform. Barwood also outlined other policy positions, including voter registration and gun rights. The article notes her previous efforts to get government answers about mysterious lights over Phoenix and her appearance on the radio show "Coast to Coast with Art Bell."

Article: Serious about sightings

This piece by Beth Long from the Courier Times focuses on Tom Carey, the southeastern Pennsylvania section director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Carey, a senior financial analyst, dedicates himself to investigating UFO sightings reported to his organization. He maintains a 24-hour hotline and emphasizes that most calls are serious. Carey defines a "good case" as one with visual encounters, multiple witnesses, radar confirmation, and credible reporting. He fielded 100 reports in the past year and notes that many people report sightings to local police or institutions like the Fels planetarium. Carey remains open-minded about the existence of alien life, stating, "We just don't know." MUFON members meet monthly, and a recent gathering included author Doug Moench, who discussed the historical reporting of sightings and the growing credibility of the subject, partly due to the popularity of "The X-Files." Moench noted that many concerned people research behind the scenes, afraid to speak publicly. Carey mentioned that mainstream news outlets rarely cover these stories, with most coverage coming from documentaries, books, magazines, and the internet. He also highlighted the risk of opportunists and charlatans entering the field as the subject gains popularity. MUFON meetings are open to the public, with annual dues of $30.

Article: UFO Files interview

This brief article from the Lincoln Times-News reports that George D. Fawcett, a veteran UFO investigator from Lincolnton, is featured in a 12-page article in the current Premiere Issue of UFO Files Magazine. The article, titled "UFOs From World War II To The New Millennium," is based on an interview with Fawcett by magazine editor Tim Beckley. Fawcett's interest in UFOs began at age 15, sparked by a World War II scrapbook detailing "silver balls" seen by bomber pilots. A significant experience in 1951 at Lynchburg College, Virginia, where he witnessed a large, orange, half-globe object hover, further fueled his investigations. Over five decades, Fawcett has investigated 1,200 UFO sightings and is described as a field investigator for MUFON.

Article: Out of this world

This article by Kristin Loiacono from the Sunday Journal discusses the work of the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), a 14-member board of scientists and professionals dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. They are part of a consortium including MUFON and the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. FUFOR members emphasize their skeptical, scientific approach, avoiding the label "believers." They aim to counter fringe claims through public education and scientific analysis, seeking breakthroughs to convince scientists and Congress of the subject's importance. FUFOR faces funding challenges and slow progress due to the vast amount of extraneous information. The article mentions NASA's stance on UFO research, stating they are not looking for intelligent life but do have programs to understand the origin and distribution of life in the universe. FUFOR chairman Don Berliner, an aviation science writer, believes the probable existence of intelligent nonhumans is "the biggest news story in history." The article highlights the conflicting testimony and disputed evidence surrounding cases like the 1947 Roswell crash. It details the abduction phenomenon, with witness Ron Blevins sharing his experiences. FUFOR works with psychologists to assess the mental stability of alleged abductees and acknowledges the possibility of hoaxes but emphasizes the rarity of fabrications. They are developing instruments to detect physical evidence of abductions. The article also touches on the work of David Jacobs, author of "The Threat," who suggests abductions may be a way to explain societal issues. FUFOR hopes for a shift in public and official attitudes towards UFOs.

Article: Tri-City fireball leaves mystery

This article by Jason Hagey from the Tri-City Herald reports on a mysterious fireball observed across the Tri-City area on a Wednesday night. Eyewitnesses described the object differently, with some reporting it landing in the Columbia River, while others saw it heading toward the airport. Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, believes witnesses accurately reported what they saw but could not identify it. Dick Pugh, a meteorite scientist, was skeptical of reports of it crashing into the river, suggesting fireballs often burn out high in the atmosphere. The University of Washington's seismology laboratory found no significant impact. Police in Pasco determined it was not a crashed plane. The phenomenon generated significant media attention, with reporters from various outlets seeking interviews.

Article: Skywatch Diary (Pensacola Beach, FL)

This ongoing column by Carole Baker provides updates on UFO sightings and related phenomena in the Gulf Breeze area. The November 12, 1997 entry describes a sighting of a yellow-white light that appeared to dim and reveal three red lights revolving around a central dark spot. The author notes that visitors to the area often report sightings and that the Gulf Breeze area has a history of such events, predating the well-known Ed Walters case. The column also mentions the growing respectability of the UFO subject due to popular culture, like "The X-Files." The November 19, 1997 entry discusses a sighting of a bright red light by multiple witnesses, including a group at Shoreline Park. The December 3, 1997 entry details a sighting of a single, steady red light observed for twenty-six minutes. The December 31, 1997 entry describes a video of a brightly lit, silver/white object that appeared rectangular and disappeared rapidly, ruling out Venus as an explanation. The January 21, 1998 entry discusses a video of a spherical object with a dark bottom, compared to other reported UFO videos. The February 18, 1998 entry details multiple sightings of red lights, possibly from a larger object, observed by various witnesses in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. The February 25, 1998 entry reports a silver ball-shaped object seen by Vicki Lyons and Pat Crumbley, both disappearing at tremendous speed, followed by a video of a UFO aired by a Mobile, Alabama TV station. It also mentions "skyquakes" in the area, which have been associated with UFO sightings.

Article: UFO investigator group drawn by unexplainable

This article by Rick Minter from the Constitution (Atlanta, GA) highlights the work of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) in Georgia. Tom Sheets, state director of MUFON of Georgia and a retired police chief, emphasizes that UFOs are a real phenomenon and that people who report sightings are not "crazy." Sheets' own interest was sparked by seeing strange lights in the mid-1960s. The article mentions the Troup-Heard Corridor in Georgia as an area known for numerous sightings. Mark Ausmus, a computer programmer and MUFON member, shares his personal motivation for investigating UFOs. The article notes that MUFON members often face ridicule but continue their search for answers. A meeting in Fayetteville is announced for public education and knowledge sharing.

Article: UFOs at Area 51

This letter to the editor of BEE (Sacramento, CA) by Richard Boylan, Ph.D., refutes the newspaper's characterization of UFO and extraterrestrial reports at Area 51 as "ridiculous rumors." Boylan asserts that ample evidence exists, citing a December 1992 ABC television news segment that filmed a UFO flying out of Area 51 and his own personal witnessing of antigravity craft flown there. He also references Michael Wolf, M.D., Ph.D., who described working at Area 51 with an extraterrestrial. Boylan argues that the government's UFO cover-up is what is truly ridiculous.

Article: UFO sighting aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carrier

This letter to the editor of Valley News Today (Shenandoah, IA) by Chester C. Grusinski recounts a UFO sighting aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier in 1958. A small light followed the ship and then approached it, revealing its shape and figures inside that were not perceived as human. The object then turned red and sped away. Grusinski notes that the incident was kept quiet, with men transferred off the ship, and that Navy deck logs do not show any record of the event. Freedom of Information Act requests to the Navy, CIA, and NSA also yielded no information. Grusinski questions why multiple UFO sightings from that same ship occurred and mentions the ship's role in carrying nuclear weapons.

Article: Westchester Boomerang, years later

This article by R.J. Marx from the Record Review (Bedford, NY) revisits the "Westchester Boomerang" phenomenon, first reported in the book "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Philip J. Imbrogno, and Bob Pratt. The book, due for reissue, details UFO sightings, "contact" incidents, and abductions in the northern Westchester area. Mr. Imbrogno, a UFO researcher, hypothesizes that these phenomena may be linked to "multiple dimensions" and "electromagnetic anomalies" associated with stone chambers in the region. The article mentions that hundreds of residents reported seeing a boomerang-shaped object in 1983, causing traffic disruptions. Official explanations like Cessna aircraft and ultralight aircraft are dismissed by Imbrogno, who cites witness accounts and weather conditions that contradict these explanations. He also notes similarities to UFO sightings in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Belgium. The article discusses the "quality" of witnesses, including police officers and scientists, who found the sightings unexplainable. Imbrogno and co-author Marianne Horrigan are working on a new book, "Lost in Time," exploring the connection between UFO sightings and stone chambers, which they theorize could be "bridgeways" to other realities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects, the challenges of scientific investigation and public acceptance, and the potential for government secrecy or disclosure. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the efforts of organizations like MUFON and FUFOR to gather and analyze data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the public to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena while maintaining a critical and scientific approach. The publication seems to advocate for greater transparency from governmental bodies regarding UFOs and related incidents.

This issue of the DAILY RECORD, Roswell, NM, dated March 11, 1998, features a prominent cover story about the donation of extensive UFO research materials to the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. The magazine also includes articles on physics lectures, various UFO sightings from different locations, and discussions about alleged government cover-ups and the nature of UFO phenomena.

Researchers Donate Items to UFO Museum

The lead article details the significant donation of lifetime collections from two longtime UFO researchers, George D. Fawcett and E.R. "Bob" Sabo, to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The donation consists of 88 boxes and eight file cabinets filled with correspondence, journals, newsletters, magazine articles, questionnaires, slides, books, photographs, cassette tapes, and scrapbooks of newspaper articles dating back to 1944. George D. Fawcett, who has investigated over 1,200 UFO sightings since 1944 and published numerous articles, contributed the bulk of the material. E.R. "Bob" Sabo, founder of the UFO Research Organization of St. Petersburg, also contributed his collected materials. The combined value of these collections is estimated at $250,000. UFO Museum Director Deon Crosby expressed enthusiasm for the donation, stating the museum's goal is to make the files open and available to researchers worldwide, serving as a clearinghouse for UFO information. Fawcett shared his past experience with the Smithsonian Institute's Air Research Museum, which had accepted his collection in 1960 but later rescinded its offer, leading him to seek a more reliable depository in Roswell.

Physicist Lectures at UFO Museum

An announcement is made for a lecture by physicist Chet W. Sapalio at the International UFO Museum and Research Center on "Possible Propulsion systems of UFOs." The lecture, free and open to the public, will explore contemporary physics theories related to UFO propulsion and the potential for intergalactic travel. Sapalio, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, has a strong interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Islander: Skywatch Diary

This section, written by Carole Baker, compiles several recent UFO sighting reports from the Gulf Coast area. One report from February 9, 1998, describes two women in Fairhope, AL, observing a large, bright white light over water that later turned golden and withdrew. Another detailed report from the same date describes a V-shaped, translucent object seen passing below clouds over Choctawhatchee Bay, FL, by a witness near Eglin Air Force Base. The object was estimated to be between 500 and 1000 feet above ground and traveling at 200-250 knots. A third report details a sighting on February 17, 1998, where a square object with lights dropped a "light thing" over a car near Molino, Florida.

Foreign News: Mystery of pattern in slough is solved

This article by Kevin Weedmark explains the origin of strange geometric patterns observed in a marsh photo. Initially speculated to be UFO-related, the patterns were identified as part of a Ducks Unlimited nesting habitat project designed to create islands for ducks to nest, free from predators.

New Twist to Falkland UFO Probe

This report by Mike Delaney covers the ongoing investigation by Transformation Studies, an Edinburgh-based philosophy group, into the alleged Falkland UFO case. The group has conducted field trips to the site but has been unsuccessful in finding five trees that were reportedly damaged during the incident. The witnesses claim to have experienced strange occurrences at their home since the September incident. The group approaches the phenomenon from a philosophical perspective, considering various explanations from 'little green men' to psychological phenomena.

UFOs in Garelochhead?

This article from the Advertiser reports on a sighting near Garelochhead, Scotland, where four people witnessed a large, gold, disc-shaped object hovering above hills. The witnesses, including a former RAF member, stated it was not an aircraft. The object turned and disappeared in a flash. The British Astronomical Association could not provide an explanation.

UFO spotted over Launceston

Roy Sandercock reported seeing a UFO hovering silently over Launceston, England, for over 10 minutes. He described it as a circular silver object, glistening like a mirror, which then shot off at high speed. He noted it was only visible with binoculars.

Call for an end to UFO secrecy

By David Burrows, this article features Eric Morris, director of the British UFO Studies Centre, urging people to lobby their MPs regarding alleged government secrecy over UFOs. Morris claims the Ministry of Defence has a secret department, Air Staff 2 (a), investigating UFOs, which they deny exists. He cites incidents involving military jets and triangular objects as examples of unexplained phenomena that warrant investigation.

First Sighting of KGB X-Files

This article reports on the discovery of a massive KGB archive containing what are claimed to be the clearest photos ever taken of UFOs, suggesting proof of alien visitation. British expert Philip Mantle, given access to the files, described the daylight photos as "fantastic." The archive reportedly contains instructions from the KGB in the 1980s for military personnel to report sightings, resulting in a vast study of UFO phenomena.

Men in Blackout

This piece by Kerry Gill discusses claims by UFO researcher Nick Redfern that a "Men In Black"-style agency is silencing RAF pilots who report UFO sightings. Redfern, author of "A Covert Agenda," insists top-secret officials have been gagging pilots and radar operators for over 40 years, maintaining a "conspiracy of silence" about UFO sightings, particularly in Bonnybridge, Scotland. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson denied any such policy or attempt to gag personnel.

Hovering lights spark X-Files style mystery

Reports from Warrington, England, describe unexplained lights in the sky, including a golden ball seen by Sarah Wood and a hovering light observed by security guard Eddie Owens. The sightings have baffled UFO experts, with video evidence being sent to America.

Beautiful lights in sky are a mystery to family

By Richard Cornwell, this article details a family's sighting of a UFO over Felixstowe, England. Eddie Dahl and his family witnessed a glowing disc that changed colors and divided into three balls of light, which then joined a large delta-shaped object. They described the object as beautiful and not threatening.

Ex-Army chief calls for UFO probe

This article reports on Lord Hill-Norton, former head of Britain's armed forces, pressing ministers to investigate an alleged UFO attack on nuclear weapons stores. He questioned ministers about reports of light beams fired from an unidentified craft at RAF Woodbridge in 1980. The Defence minister denied any evidence of such reports.

UFO sighting is still a mystery

This article from Belfast reports on Etta Quinn's sighting of a U-shaped object over Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. She described it as emitting a silvery color and moving westward. Police and Army authorities denied having any craft that matched the description.

Sighting claim

Sean Cumberland claims to have seen strange lights in the shape of a diamond at 6:15 pm in Ilkeston, England.

UFO picture they've hidden for 14 years

This piece by Jayne Dawson discusses a photograph taken in 1983 that UFO investigators claim shows an orange ball of light. The woman who took the photo, now deceased, reportedly felt a 'whoosh' and saw a blur of light when she was trying to photograph Morris dancers. The developed film revealed the UFO. Ufologist Nigel Mortimer believes the photo is genuine.

Experts study strange 'orange ball' in sky

This article elaborates on the 1983 photograph, with Nigel Mortimer stating that while it's not confirmed as an alien craft, it is a UFO. He notes similar sightings of orange balls of light and gun-metal grey saucers in the Wharfe Valley, with recorded sightings of orange balls of light dating back hundreds of years.

Plot thickens in 'UFOs' mystery

This article from Lancashire Evening Post reports on multiple UFO sightings in the Chorley and Bamber Bridge areas, including triangular-shaped lights and a red, spinning, disc-shaped object. Callers to a radio show reported seeing these phenomena.

'Men in Black' may be reality, claims book

This article by Bob Stewart discusses Nick Redfern's book "A Covert Agenda," which alleges a "Men In Black"-style conspiracy of silence by the British government regarding UFO sightings. Stewart, a UFO investigator, believes the claims warrant investigation, particularly concerning alleged gagging of RAF pilots and radar operators. The Ministry of Defence denies having a policy on UFOs or gagging military personnel.

Shock: Man sees spinning top shaped craft in field

By Dave Jones, this article reports on nightclub owner David Foulds' sighting of a massive, spinning top-shaped object with thousands of lights hovering in a field near Denbigh, Wales. Foulds, a believer in UFOs, considers this sighting to have strengthened his faith.

UFO caught on camera

This letter to the editor by David Dane responds to a previous article about UFO video footage. Dane asserts that there is more to the event than reported, with multiple video recordings and independent witnesses. He describes a cigar-shaped object with unusual lights accelerating rapidly and climbing into the sky. He mentions similar sightings across East Anglia and Australia, and notes that experts have called the footage "extraordinary."

Search for Sasquatches is being organized by Dorris true believer

By Lee Juillerat, this article details Ryan Emerson's plans to organize an expedition in May to search for Sasquatches (Bigfoot) in Northern California and Oregon. Emerson, a believer, cites thousands of reported sightings and seeks to prove the creature's existence through photographic evidence. He has written to President Clinton regarding capture plans but has received no response. FBI crime lab analysis suggests suspected Sasquatch hairs are from a Kodiak brown bear. Emerson's focus has shifted to photographic verification and scientific examination.

Police on track of big cat sightings

This article reports on a conference of police officers to discuss dealing with reported sightings of big cats in Britain. Dr. Hans Kruuk, who studies large mammals, will advise officers on verifying sightings, though he remains skeptical about the possibility of large cats roaming the countryside.

Something strange is out there

This article reviews the "Museum of Unnatural Mystery," a website that examines unusual phenomena from a scientific perspective. It highlights exhibits on UFO mysteries, the Roswell incident, Foo Fighters, Martian microbes, and other unexplained events. The website aims to provide well-reasoned, impartial research and links to additional sources.

Anti-gravity causing rapid expansion of universe, scientists say

By Kathy Sawyer, this article from The Washington Post discusses new evidence suggesting that a mysterious anti-gravity force is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate. Scientists are reacting with shock and excitement, as this finding could have significant implications for theories of cosmic evolution and the nature of the universe. The concept echoes Einstein's controversial "cosmological constant."

Mars 'face' gains interest as spacecraft nears

By Michael Woods, this article reports on Tom Van Flandern's conclusion that the "Face on Mars" is not an optical illusion but an artificial structure. His report, presented at an astronomy conference, has gained attention due to upcoming high-resolution images from the Global Surveyor spacecraft. Van Flandern's organization, Meta Research, focuses on theories that conflict with mainstream astronomy. While some believe the Cydonia region features are remnants of an ancient civilization, others, like Michael Malin, chief investigator for the Mars Global Surveyor Orbiter Camera, maintain they are natural landforms shaped by Martian weathering.

When consorting with fairies, it's best that you be polite

This article by Deborah Halter explores the folklore of fairies in Ireland. It discusses their historical connection to the land before Christianity, their nature as beings of mist and magic, and the importance of politeness and respect when encountering them. The article suggests that fairies may show themselves to those with innocent belief and that offerings like cold potatoes, milk, or wine can be appreciated. It also touches on the integration of fairies into Christian mythology as fallen angels.

Big doings at Ohio Bigfoot Conference

This article reports on the upcoming 10th annual Ohio Bigfoot Conference. It mentions recent sightings of a 7-to-8-foot-tall creature in Scioto County and highlights Don Keating's compilation of 12 reported sightings in Ohio in 1997, primarily in the "sasquatch triangle" area. Keating plans to show a video of a creature filmed in 1992.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the scientific and folkloric investigation of unexplained phenomena. The articles present a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and researcher findings to scientific theories and historical folklore. There is a clear interest in UFOs and related mysteries, with multiple reports detailing sightings from various locations and discussions about the potential for secrecy and investigation by authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting these accounts and theories for the reader's consideration, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further evidence.