UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 05 - no 346

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1998, with "Skywatch Diary" as its volume title, presents a collection of articles and reports on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The cover headline highlights the unsolved events of 1975 in Fennimore, Wisconsin. The publication features a variety of articles from different newspapers and sources, offering diverse perspectives on UFO research and sightings.

Key Articles and Reports

1975 Happenings Remain Unsolved (Times, Fennimore, WI)

This article by R. Heiden recounts the unusual events of November 1975 in Fennimore, Wisconsin. It describes a day that started routinely but turned eventful with strange television reception, UFO sightings in western Grant County, and a bomb scare at Southwest Tech campus. The TV reception was so bizarre that new stations appeared, and viewers watched a Dinah Shore show from a Michigan station. The article notes a coincidence between the unearthly TV reception and UFO sightings, and also mentions cattle mutilations in western Grant County. An investigator from UFO tracking headquarters in Milwaukee found no conclusive evidence, leaving the events a mystery.

Wayside Observations (Chas. Roethe)

Chas. Roethe's column touches upon the 1975 events, noting the media attention and the difficulty in unraveling the mysteries. He highlights the strange television reception and the UFO sightings, suggesting a possible connection.

Skywatch Diary (Carole Baker)

Carole Baker's column covers several UFO-related events. One significant report details video footage of an anomalous object taken at the Project Awareness 6th Annual Gulf Breeze Conference in Pensacola Beach, Florida. The footage, captured by Jeff Ritzmann, shows a bright silver/white object with an erratic course. Speakers at the conference, including Linda Moulton Howe, Budd Hopkins, and David Jacobs, discussed the nature of aliens. Baker also reports two other sightings from the Gulf Breeze area: a bright whitish-yellow light observed on March 20, 1998, which made a zig-zag maneuver and turned deep red, and a bright light seen on March 23, 1998, that flashed once and shot straight up.

Crop Circle-UFO Researcher Schedules Talk in Cedarville (Herald & News, Klamath Falls, OR)

This article by Jean Bilodeaux announces a talk by George Wingfield, an internationally known crop circle and UFO researcher. Wingfield, an Eton graduate and former astronomer, has investigated over 5,000 crop circles and is intrigued by their association with UFO phenomena. He has worked as an astronomer and later at IBM before dedicating himself to UFO and crop circle research. Wingfield will discuss "flying triangles" and show slides of crop circles he has investigated.

UFO Search Takes Lifetime (Enterprise, High Point, NC)

This article by Andy Morrissey profiles George Fawcett, a Lincolnton resident who has dedicated 54 years to investigating UFOs. Fawcett claims to have seen a UFO in 1954, which convinced him of their existence. He has investigated 1,200 incidents and believes that alien ships, weighing 12 to 20 tons, land on Earth to collect samples. He estimates about 50 reported sightings of unexplained objects occur daily. Fawcett has donated his personal collection of over 20,000 UFO-related items to the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico.

UFO Donation (Enterprise, High Point, NC)

This brief report details George Fawcett's donation of 20,685 items, including newspaper clippings and photographs, to the International UFO Museum in Roswell, N.M. The museum is a significant tourist destination, and Fawcett considered building his own museum in North Carolina before choosing Roswell.

News of Possible UFOs (Dial, Boscobel, WI)

This article by Ralph Goldsmith recalls strange events from 23 years prior in Grant and Crawford counties, including a mysterious light, mutilated cattle, and haywire television sets. It mentions a Grant County Sheriff's Department report of an unidentified flying object seen by an officer and others. The article also details the discovery of mutilated cattle, with ears and tongues removed, and notes that the mutilations were not caused by other animals but by a sharp knife.

UFO Sightings Reported In 1997 (Bulletin, Latrobe, PA)

Stan Gordon of Greensburg reports on unusual incidents investigated in 1997 from 17 counties in Pennsylvania and other areas. While many cases were explained by natural or manmade sources like bright stars, planets, flares, aircraft lights, and the Goodyear Blimp, some cases remain unexplained. The article highlights reports of Bigfoot encounters, alleged falls of material from the sky, and a crop circle. Specific incidents include a creature sighting near Chestnut Ridge, strange footprints in Indiana County, rectangular lights over Pittsburgh, a cigar-shaped object emitting orange light near New Stanton, and two bright oval lights observed in South Park, Pittsburgh.

Blanca Gas-Attack? Something Unusual Was Going On With The Military (Eagle, Crestone, CO)

This article by Christopher O'Brien investigates a claim from the CSETI website about a covert military operation involving nerve gas on an "ET spaceport" under Mount Blanca, Colorado. Dr. Steven Greer of CSETI claims that during a training session, thousands of strobe lights and ET craft were observed. Greer also claims to have "remote-viewed" ETs inside the mountain who communicated that they were under attack by covert military forces. A helicopter pilot reportedly refused to transport injured "special-forces" personnel due to hazardous materials. The article also mentions strange activity near the Atlantic Richfield CO2 plant, including a "huge box" being dropped and reports of men with jet-packs and a bubble-shaped craft.

Moscow's UFO Fleet (Times, Washington, DC)

This article by Ernest Blazar discusses a CIA report from 1952 that investigated UFO sightings. The CIA initially suspected Moscow might use UFO reports for psychological warfare or to overload U.S. radar systems. However, the CIA eventually concluded that UFOs did not present a national security threat. The report also mentions that the CIA monitored civilian UFO interest groups and that interest in UFOs rose again in the 1970s and 1980s as a counterintelligence matter, fearing the KGB would use UFO groups to gather information on U.S. weapon programs.

Book World: The Start of Something Big (Post, Washington, DC)

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and apocalyptic movements. "The Threat: The Secret Alien Agenda" by David M. Jacobs posits that aliens are carrying out a program of abductions and cross-breeding. "Faces of the Visitors" by Kevin Randle and Russ Estes provides an illustrated reference to alien contact. "Millennium, Messiahs, and Mayhem" edited by Thomas Robbins and Susan J. Palmer analyzes contemporary apocalyptic movements. "UFO Crash at Roswell" by Benson Saler, Charles A. Ziegler, and Charles B. Moore traces the formation of the Roswell myth. "Questioning the Millennium" by Stephen Jay Gould offers a rationalist perspective on millennial anxieties.

Trick of Sun on Mount Rainier May Have Led to Plane-Crash Report (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

Park officials at Mount Rainier National Park spent hours tracking a reported plane crash that turned out to be an optical illusion caused by the sunrise playing with clouds and icy surfaces. The report originated from a couple who saw what appeared to be smoke and fire on the mountain through a telescope.

Aztec Hopes UFO Event Lands Tourists (Journal, Albuquerque, NM)

This article discusses the planned 50th-anniversary celebration of an alleged UFO crash near Aztec, New Mexico. The event aims to attract tourists, though the incident has less documentation than the Roswell crash. Concerns are raised about lodging capacity in Aztec for potential visitors. The article mentions that the alleged crash site emits higher-than-normal radiation.

'Phoenix Lights' Witnesses Credible, Hard to Dismiss (Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ)

This column by Steve Wilson presents accounts from credible witnesses of the "Phoenix Lights" incident on March 13, 1997. Witnesses, including a clinical psychiatrist, a retired commercial airline pilot, and a real estate consultant, describe a large, silent, V-shaped object. The article questions why the military has not acknowledged the event if it was a classified operation.

UFO Fans Doubt Dismissals, Insist Truth's Out There (Times, Washington, DC)

This article discusses the public's belief in UFOs and government knowledge of the phenomenon. It highlights the efforts of UFO researchers and organizations like MUFON and CSETI, who believe the government is hiding information. Dr. Steven Greer of CSETI claims the U.S. government has facilities connected to UFOs and alien spacecraft. The article also mentions a report about secret UFO briefings held for Clinton administration officials.

Skywatch Diary (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL)

This installment of "Skywatch Diary" by Carole Baker covers historical UFO reports from the Gulf Breeze area. It includes a 1973 report of an unidentified flying object near Interstate 10 and a 1975 report of two unidentified flying objects darting at incredible speeds over Grand Lagoon. The article also mentions a report from Brazil by Russell Bunge about "UFO Research in Brazil," focusing on the "Chupa-Chupa" phenomenon and the research methods of Professor Ilulvio Aleixo.

UFOs Lift Scientist to Career High (Asbury Park Press, Neptune, NJ)

This article profiles Dr. Bruce Cornet, a geologist and ufologist who claims to have seen a UFO in 1992. Cornet spends his time studying photographic images of airborne phenomena and documenting their characteristics. He believes that many others also see UFOs and that skeptics should not dismiss the evidence.

Curious George of UFOland (Journal, Winston-Salem, NC)

This feature by Kim Underwood details George D. Fawcett's lifelong dedication to investigating UFOs. Fawcett has accumulated a vast collection of UFO-related materials, which he has donated to the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell, N.M. He is writing a book about UFO incidents in North and South Carolina. The article highlights Fawcett's belief that the Roswell incident is a natural site for a UFO museum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, alleged alien contact, and the persistent question of government transparency and cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts, researcher investigations, and the collection of evidence, even when explanations remain elusive. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and perspectives without necessarily endorsing any single theory, while acknowledging the public's enduring fascination with the UFO phenomenon. The articles collectively suggest that despite official dismissals, a significant number of people believe in the reality of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and that these phenomena warrant continued investigation and public awareness.

Title: SKYWATCH DIARY
Issue Date: May 7, 1998
Publisher: JOURNAL

This issue of SKYWATCH DIARY focuses on UFO investigations, personal accounts, and related phenomena. It features an interview with George Fawcett, a UFO investigator who has examined over 1,200 cases and believes that 22% remain unexplained. Fawcett distinguishes himself from 'believers,' stating his conclusions are based on investigation rather than faith. He likens his approach to that of Ralph Nader.

UFO Investigations and Sightings

The magazine details numerous recent UFO sightings and incidents. George Fawcett has investigated over 1,200 cases, primarily in North and South Carolina, and estimates that only 1% were hoaxes, with 22% having no ordinary explanation.

• Several specific sightings are reported:
• August 1997: A large triangular configuration of lights was witnessed over Santa Rosa Island, Florida, prompting a police and military response.
• January 12: A man in Gilford, New Hampshire, reported a fast-moving ball of white light.
• January 10/11: A cryptic message from Germany mentioned a 'fire rig thing' in the sky.
• October 4, 1997: In Elk City, Oklahoma, a triangular UFO was seen by a witness and police officers.
• December 16, 1997: A dark gray triangular craft was sighted over Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
• December 5: A flying triangle was reported in West Georgia.

Fawcett himself reported seeing a UFO on July 10, 1951, an orange hemisphere hovering over Lynchburg College, Virginia, for 42 minutes.

Public Perception and Government Cover-up

Fawcett notes a shift in public thinking about UFOs, with fewer people dismissing them and more asking for information. He estimates 50% of people believe there's something to UFOs, 25% are skeptical, and 25% are unsure. He also suggests that the government's handling of UFO information has caused needless suffering for those who come forward.

'Invasion: Earth' - A New Sci-Fi Drama

The issue previews the BBC drama 'Invasion: Earth,' filmed at RAF Leuchars in Fife, Scotland. The series concept involves an RAF pilot shooting down a UFO. The drama is co-produced by BBC Scotland and the American Sci-Fi Channel, aiming for a US market. Writer Jed Mercurio explains the concept as exploring how the military would deal with a UFO threat, drawing parallels to Cold War incidents. The show's high concept and fast pace are highlighted, with Monia Joblin of the Sci-Fi Channel noting its commercial appeal.

UFO Hotspots and Research

Central Scotland, particularly the Bonnybridge area, is regarded as a UFO 'hot spot.' The article mentions 'A Covert Agenda' by Nicholas Redfern, which posits a government cover-up of UFO incidents since 1947, based on official MoD records. Redfern's research focuses on reports from military pilots. The 'Fife Incident' of 1994, involving sightings of lights and small grey beings, is also mentioned, though its details are described as fanciful.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

The Bridgewater Triangle: This area in Massachusetts, encompassing the Hockomock swamp, is described as a 'window' for paranormal activity, including Bigfoot sightings, UFOs, and unexplained lights. Local residents and historians express caution about the area.

Bigfoot: The article recounts a sighting of a shadowy, hair-covered giant in the Hockomock swamp by John Baker in the early 1980s. Joseph DeAndrade also shares his 1978 sighting of a creature in the same area. Despite numerous reports, no photographic evidence of Bigfoot in this region exists.

The Blobster: A four-ton, six-tentacled creature washed ashore in Tasmania is described. Experts at the Natural History Museum are unable to classify it, discounting theories of it being a shark, whale, dolphin, or squid due to its unique characteristics. The possibility of it being extraterrestrial is raised, referencing similar finds dating back to the 1920s.

Loch Ness Monster: Charles Wyckoff, an 81-year-old researcher from Needham, MA, believes the Loch Ness Monster still exists, citing sonar readings from his expeditions. He theorizes that multiple Nessies inhabit the loch and that many may have died off.

Cattle Mutilations: The New Mexican reports on an investigation into the death of a cow in Colfax County, New Mexico, suspected to be a cattle mutilation. This is presented as the first such reported case this year, but cattle owners in Northern New Mexico have reported similar unexplained deaths for about 25 years. Theories range from aliens to satanists to secret government experiments.

Mars 'Face': The article discusses new images of the Cydonia region on Mars taken by the Mars Global Surveyor. These images, released in 1998, do not show the 'Face' formation as clearly as earlier photos, leading to debate between scientists who describe it as a natural formation (butte, mesa, knob) and believers who suggest it might be evidence of an ancient Martian city.

DNA Electronics: Separately, the article mentions Israeli researchers using DNA molecules to build tiny electronic circuits, a breakthrough in nanoelectronics that could lead to faster and more complex computers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of unexplained phenomena, the challenges in investigating them, and the public's enduring fascination with UFOs, aliens, and mysteries. There's a consistent thread of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that 'the truth is out there,' often suggesting government secrecy or a lack of public acknowledgment. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive fact, while acknowledging the difficulty in finding conclusive proof.