UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 04 - no 345

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 1998, is a compilation of articles from various publications focusing on UFOs, Bigfoot, and other unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "Area man investigates UFO, Bigfoot reports" by Maryann G. Eidemiller for the Tribune-Review, highlights the work of Stan Gordon, a UFO investigator from Greensburg, PA. The magazine also includes a "Skywatch Diary" column by Carole Baker, a piece on the Kecksburg UFO incident, an article about George D. Fawcett's lifelong passion for UFO investigation, and reports from a UFO conference in Eureka Springs.

Stan Gordon's Investigations

The cover story details Stan Gordon's extensive work in investigating UFO and Bigfoot reports. Gordon, a recognized independent researcher, notes that most sightings are explainable, often due to misidentification of celestial bodies or aircraft. However, he focuses on incidents that defy resolution, such as a white Bigfoot sighting in the Chestnut Ridge area and several UFO incidents in the region during the previous year. These include sightings of bright lights, a cigar-shaped object emitting light, a dark object with bright lights, a shiny metallic object, a triangular-shaped object, a saucer-shaped object with lights and fire, a stingray-shaped object, and multi-colored lights performing unusual maneuvers. Gordon suggests that some phenomena might involve both physical and nonphysical components.

The Kecksburg Incident

An article from the Tribune-Review revisits the Kecksburg UFO incident of December 9, 1965. Stan Gordon produced a documentary, "Kecksburg: The Untold Story," exploring the event. Despite the official explanation of a meteorite, eyewitnesses reported a large metal object, armed soldiers, and men in white NASA uniforms. The article mentions allegations of missing documents and a government cover-up. It includes interviews with individuals who claim to have seen the object, its recovery by the military, and even a description of a body with "lizard-like skin" found in the woods. Linda Moulton Howe, an author on the unexplained, states that a former CIA source confirmed to her that an extraterrestrial satellite crashed in Kecksburg.

George D. Fawcett's UFO Research

The Lincoln Times-News features George D. Fawcett, a local investigator from Mount Airy, NC, who has dedicated his life to studying UFOs since childhood. Fawcett estimates he has traveled 200,000 miles over 54 years investigating sightings. He shares his personal encounter with a silvery ball in 1944 and a UFO sighting in college. Fawcett's passion led him to collect a vast amount of memorabilia, including over 35,000 UFO sightings, which he has donated to the UFO Research Center in Roswell, N.M. He believes that UFOs are real, not natural phenomena, and represent a threat to national security.

UFO Conference in Eureka Springs

The Morning News reports on the 10th annual UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, which included discussions on crop circles, alien abduction, and close encounters. Lou Farrish was recognized for his work organizing the event. Speakers like Linda Moulton Howe presented detailed information on crop circles, questioning the lack of media coverage. Jeanne Robinson shared personal accounts of alien abductions, including being told she was the natural mother of an alien baby. The conference also featured vendors selling UFO-themed merchandise.

Other UFO Reports and Discussions

Carole Baker's "Skywatch Diary" columns from the Islander discuss various sightings and UFO-related events. One entry mentions a man reporting multiple sightings near The ZOO in Gulf Breeze, describing a craft with a "bubble" appearance and red lights. Another entry details a sighting of numerous moving lights in the western sky over Pensacola, Florida, which lasted for over 30 minutes. Baker also notes the upcoming 7th Annual International UFO Congress Convention. An article from the Bee discusses the secrecy surrounding Area 51 and a court ruling that declared information about the base a state secret, potentially hindering investigations into hazardous waste and health damages.

Notable Figures and Incidents

The issue also includes a brief mention of Steven H. Schiff, a New Mexico Congressman who died at 51. Schiff was known for his role in the ethics case against Newt Gingrich and for reopening the investigation into the Roswell Incident in 1993. A report from the Observer features UFO expert Robert Hastings, who presented evidence suggesting that governments acknowledge UFOs as a national security matter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent nature of UFO and Bigfoot sightings, the dedication of independent researchers like Stan Gordon and George Fawcett, and the ongoing debate about government transparency and potential cover-ups. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the collection of evidence, even when official explanations are lacking. The articles collectively suggest that the unexplained phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, challenging skepticism and encouraging the public to remain curious and observant. The editorial stance leans towards validating the experiences of those who report sightings and advocating for more open access to information regarding these events.

This issue of 'Foreign News', dated January 19, 1998, from the Daily Mail, presents a collection of intriguing and often unexplained stories, primarily focusing on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and other mysterious phenomena from around the world.

Take Us To Your Leader: UFO Sighting Over Howard's House

The lead story details a UFO sighting that reportedly occurred near the home of Michael Howard, then the UK's Home Secretary, a week before the General Election. At least eight witnesses claim to have seen a craft hovering over his Kent home. The incident was reportedly taken seriously enough that the Conservative Central Party Office sought advice on 'inter-planetary border controls'. Sarah Hall, a local newspaper reporter, was one of the witnesses who saw a shiny craft with a dome and bright lights. Local UFO expert Chris Rolfe confirmed other witnesses, including two firemen, also saw the craft. The story notes that while the police and Ministry of Defence have no records, sceptics suggest it was a helicopter or jet. However, some locals believe the true story has not emerged and that the local paper may have faced pressure to downplay the incident. Kent UFO expert Derek Sheffield is quoted as saying the government is 'obsessed with hushing up UFO reports'. Mark Watts, a Labour MEP, is campaigning for an end to secrecy surrounding UFOs, finding the lack of official comment on a sighting near a high-profile minister 'very mysterious'.

Couple Scared By 'Hovering Object'

This short report from the Evening News (November 24, 1997) describes a couple in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, who were mystified by a 'strange object' hovering above their car. Judy and Peter Chapman reported seeing a triangular object with green and red lights and whitish lights underneath, which made no noise. Another reader reported seeing bright lights in the sky around the same time. Cambridgeshire police had no notification of military exercises, and the weather centre suggested the lights could have been lightning.

Strange Plane In The Sky

An East London UFO research group is seeking information from residents who may have seen a large black triangle-shaped object over Walthamstow on December 8. Roy Hale of the Essex and London UFO Network stated that a member saw what looked like a commercial plane approaching the object and then changing direction. Investigations with Heathrow and the Ministry of Defence yielded no official explanation, with the MoD noting they had nothing that large in their military aircraft.

Abducted By Aliens: (or was this young boy carried away by the UFO lobby, a distinguished writer and publishing hype?)

This lengthy article by James Dalrymple from the Daily Mail (March 21, 1998) investigates the case of Jason Andrews, a 14-year-old boy who claims to have been abducted by aliens. The article details his family's claims of numerous visitations, experiments, and the appearance of scars that later disappear. Experts, including doctors and psychiatrists, have reportedly found no evidence of psychosis or abuse, and have exonerated the family. The family's story is being published in a book, 'Abducted', by Jean Ritchie, which has already generated significant media interest and potential profit for the family. The article questions the derivative nature of alien abduction stories and suggests that the family may have become 'instant converts' to the 'cult of alien visitation and abduction' after Paul Andrews started reading books on the subject. It highlights how everyday occurrences are interpreted as signs of alien intervention. The author expresses sympathy for Jason, suggesting he is now locked into a role that will lead to derision and hostility, and questions whether author Jean Ritchie truly believes the story or is exploiting it for commercial gain.

UFOs, Fact Or Fiction?

This piece from the Evening Telegraph (January 1, 1998) by Bridget Galton explores UFO sightings in the Peterborough area. It mentions a report from a Wisbech family who saw a triangular object with a pink light follow their car. The article also references an 'explosion' of sightings in 1980, including railwaymen seeing a hovering ball of orange flames and a police officer witnessing a revolving object with flashing lights. It notes that some sightings have been explained as natural phenomena like meteors or tractors, but others remain unexplained. Alan Maudlin is mentioned as starting a local branch of the International UFO Research Network (IUFORN) to investigate sightings.

Fife 'aliens' Witness On TV

A short report from the Courier & Advertiser (January 7, 1998) mentions Mary Morrison of Fife, who claimed to have had a close encounter with dozens of aliens. Her story was to be told on a BBC2 programme, 'Right to Differ'. The report details her claim of seeing 'little grey aliens' supervised by a larger creature after a brilliant white light and a black object appeared in a field.

Mystery Sighting

This brief item from the Star (December 18, 1997) reports on a mystery light seen over Sheffield, which baffled residents and air traffic controllers. A pilot also reported a similar sighting. The object was seen hovering and appeared to drop a ball of light.

Is This The Proof That Yetis Really Do Exist?

This article by Julian Champkin from the Daily Mail (August 16, 1997) focuses on the claims of Italian climber Reinhold Messner, who asserts he has encountered the Yeti four times in the Himalayas. Messner claims to have photographs and a Yeti skeleton, describing the creature as shy, 6ft 6in tall, and feeding on yaks and sheep. The article discusses the historical belief in Yetis and the lack of concrete evidence, with scientists largely dismissing it as myth. Messner's claims, if substantiated with his photographic evidence (to be published in two years), could provide the first solid proof of the creature's existence. The article also touches on other reported sightings and the scientific challenges of proving the existence of such a species.

Bigfoot Updating Time

This piece from the Times (March 5, 1998) reports on recent Bigfoot sightings and signs in the Blue Mountains. Wes Sumerlin, a local who has had 'close contacts' with the creature, recounts incidents of large tracks being found and a dog being terrified. The article mentions a sighting by a hunter named Jackson, who described seeing a large 'gorilla' near a downed elk. It also touches on other incidents, including a Bigfoot reportedly carrying off a bear and another encountered at a cabin.

Horse Mutilated Near Pike Stockade

This report from the Valley Courier (March 10, 1998) details the discovery of a mutilated white gelding near Pike Stockade, Colorado. This is the third such incident in the San Luis Valley. Researcher Christopher O'Brien noted a 'softball sized hole' in the horse's chest and other strange injuries, with no tracks found. The presence of bald eagles feasting on the carcass is also noted. O'Brien categorizes such incidents as 'human induced' or 'high strange'.

Cattle Mutilations Puzzling Ranchers

This article from the Chronicle (March 29, 1998) and Advocate (April 9, 1998) investigates cattle mutilations in northern New Mexico and Louisiana. Ranchers report finding prime cattle with precise, bloodless wounds, missing organs, and no signs of struggle or predators. Theories range from space aliens and government experiments to cults and Satanic groups, while skeptical investigators suggest natural causes followed by predator activity. District Attorney John Paternoster is investigating, collaborating with the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS). A separate report from Boyce, Louisiana, details a cow stabbed to death with its genitals and udder removed, with minimal blood, leading investigators to suspect cult activity.

Cahokia Mounds Finding Stuns Archaeologists

This article from the Post-Dispatch (March 9, 1998) reports on an astonishing discovery at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois. Archaeologists accidentally found what appears to be a large stone structure, at least 32 feet long, buried beneath Monks Mound, the site's largest earthen mound. This finding challenges the long-held belief that the prehistoric Mississippian people built without stone. Researchers are considering possibilities such as a ritual platform or an early erosion control structure, and are planning further non-invasive investigations.

Fife 'aliens' Witness On TV

A brief report from the Courier & Advertiser (January 7, 1998) highlights Mary Morrison of Fife, who claimed a close encounter with aliens and was scheduled to appear on the BBC2 programme 'Right to Differ'. Her story involves seeing 'little grey aliens' and a larger creature after a bright light and a black object appeared in a field.

Mystery Sighting

This short piece from the Star (December 18, 1997) mentions a mystery light sighted over Sheffield that baffled air traffic controllers and a pilot. The object was seen hovering and dropped a ball of light.

Titan Facts & Infrared Sees Life-Enabling Water In Stars

Two science-related items are included. One provides facts about Titan, Saturn's largest moon, including its diameter, atmospheric pressure, and makeup. The second article from the Associated Press (April 8, 1998) discusses the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory discovering water vapor around stars and planets, including on Titan. This discovery lends support to the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, as similar conditions may have existed on early Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are undoubtedly UFO sightings, alien encounters, and other unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of journalistic inquiry, presenting witness accounts, expert opinions, and skeptical counterpoints. While some articles lean towards sensationalism, particularly the 'Abducted By Aliens' piece, others, like the archaeological and scientific reports, maintain a more factual tone. There's a clear interest in the 'mystery' aspect, with a focus on unexplained events and the potential for 'cover-ups' or hidden truths, as suggested in the Howard House story and the UFO reports.