UFO Newsclipping Service - 2000 05 - no 370

Magazine Overview

This issue of the PROVINCE, dated February 27, 2000, features several articles on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent cover story titled "'I SAW ONE LAST NIGHT'" detailing experiences in Ruskin, British Columbia.

'I SAW ONE LAST NIGHT'

The lead story by Greg Middleton reports on residents of a small trailer park in Ruskin, BC, who claim to have been seeing UFOs for several months. Vina Stockbruegger, 76, recounts seeing 'little ones, big ones, all shooting out lights and hovering and moving.' John McConnell, 49, describes seeing 'flying saucers twice the size of a panel truck doing aerobatics in the night sky,' emphasizing that he does not do drugs and is not perpetrating a hoax. He has attempted to capture photographic evidence, managing to capture an image of a revolving light which he believes is a spaceship, and has made a drawing of it. Another resident, Lela New, 49, and her friends reported losing several hours of unaccounted time after visiting the dam where the lights were sighted, a phenomenon often associated with alien abductions.

SKY'S SECRETS ‘MORE THAN WE CAN GRASP’

This section features Dave Pengilly, editor of UFO*BC magazine, who discusses the vastness of unexplained phenomena. Pengilly, who monitors air pollution for the GVRD, expresses his belief that 'there is so much more going on out there than we can grasp.' He shares recent sightings, including a blue light in Castlegar on January 23rd and a cigar-shaped object with flashing lights over Deer Lake in Burnaby on January 17th. Pengilly notes that while many sightings can be explained by natural phenomena, others remain mysterious. He recounts a sighting from five years prior where a huge, saucer-shaped craft was seen three times, accompanied by a humming noise and a ring of lights. UFO*BC recorded 120 UFO sightings in BC in the past year. Pengilly also mentions that UFO*BC is now including reports of sasquatches in its magazine and on its website, as people are linking these sightings.

SITE FOR STARGAZERS

The article highlights the UFO*BC website (http://www.ufobc.org) as one of the best UFO websites, featuring original research and interviews. It also mentions astronomical items and stories of unusual events, such as a meteor streaking across the sky and a report of an 'iceball' falling from the sky.

Skywatch planned for Harrington

This piece from the WEST CUMBERLAND TIMES (July 30, 1999) focuses on Sharon Larkin, investigations director for North West Cumbria UFO Research and Investigations. She is organizing a skywatch event for August 27-28 in Harrington, featuring new UFO footage. The article also details two cases Larkin is investigating: an unidentified V-shaped flying object seen over Harrington on June 22, 1999, and claims of animal mutilations, specifically dead porpoises and dolphins with surgically removed flesh.

There's something out there

From the CRAVEN HERALD (November 12, 1999), this article reports an increase in UFO sightings across Craven. Tony Dodd, a former policeman, mentions sightings of a green ball of light and states there's been 'a lot of activity around here.' The article also includes an account from 16-year-old Jonathan Masters who claims to have spotted a spherical metallic object.

Alberta a hotbed of UFO activity

This SUN article (April 8, 2000) explores Alberta's reputation as a hub for UFO activity. Frank Florian, an astronomer, notes that Alberta receives many calls about 'weird flying objects,' including 'black triangles.' The article discusses the high belief rate in extraterrestrial life in Alberta and mentions the town of Vulcan, which embraces its alien-themed identity. It also touches upon cattle mutilation investigations by Fern Belzil and the town of St. Paul's UFO landing pad.

UFOs are closing in on Cumbria

Another piece from the WEST CUMBERLAND TIMES (September 3, 1999) details Sharon Larkin's ongoing investigations. She reports on a UFO sighting on July 22nd near Carlisle, described as a large object with a white illuminated dome and a ring of lights, which returned on subsequent nights. Larkin also mentions a smaller object seen with the larger one.

Experts puzzled by UFO sighting

This article from the COURIER & ADVERTISER (November 23, 1999) discusses a sighting by three youths in Scotland of a mysterious flying object described as the size of a house with red and green lights. An expert suggests the description aligns with a UFO, but RAF Kinloss reported no unusual activity.

Experts baffled by UFO-style sighting in sky

From the POST (September 16, 1999), this report details an incident involving two airline pilots flying from Heathrow who witnessed a metallic grey object. Despite extensive inquiries, no explanation was found by aviation experts or the Civil Aviation Authority.

Cosmic predators

This article from THE PLANET ON SUNDAY (January 2, 2000) delves into the phenomenon of cattle mutilations, suggesting a link to extraterrestrial activity. It cites cases from the US, including the mutilation of a horse named Lady in Colorado and an encounter by Judy Doraty in Texas with small, alien-like creatures. The article quotes former CIA pilot John Lear and Colonel Philip Corso, who propose that aliens are harvesting organs for sustenance or transplant.

UFO investigation didn't delve far enough

A letter to the editor of TOPPER (October 6, 1999) expresses intrigue over a past UFO sighting over Nottingham and argues that authorities should continue probing the case, questioning whether police asked for video footage or spoke to immediate neighbors.

US radar 'tracked doomed alien craft which crashed in Staffs'

This SUNDAY article (September 12, 1999) investigates a reported UFO crash in Cannock Chase, England, in 1964. Investigator Nick Redfearn claims American radar tracked the object, and that military forces were involved in a retrieval operation that may have included alien bodies. A witness, Harold South, reportedly photographed the operation but his camera was confiscated.

Sky shocker

From the YELLOW ADVERTISER (October 1, 1999), this piece recounts a sighting by RAF Flight Lieutenant James Salandin over Southend on October 14, 1954. Salandin witnessed two circular objects pass rapidly between other planes, followed by a third silvery object on a collision course with his aircraft. The object was described as bun-shaped with a flange and another bun underneath.

B.C. shows that the greater the interest in UFOs in a province, the more likely they'll show up there

This NATIONAL POST article (April 26, 2000) highlights British Columbia as the leading province for UFO sightings in Canada, accounting for almost half of the national total in 1999. It attributes this to an active UFO research community, including a hotline, TV show, and magazine. Other provinces with sightings are also listed.

B.C. the nation's hotspot for UFO sightings

Expanding on the previous article, this SUN piece (April 26, 2000) provides a chart of UFO sightings by province in 1999, reinforcing BC's dominance. It discusses the average number of sightings and speculates on reasons for the high numbers in BC and the Yukon, including potential secret aircraft testing or alien interest in less populated areas.

UFO sighting: boffs baffled

This TOPPER article (September 29, 1999) reports on a brightly-lit object seen over Nottingham three years prior, which baffled scientists. Despite numerous witnesses, no rational explanation was found, with theories ranging from optical illusions to atmospheric conditions.

Excitement over UFO footage

The BRIGHOUSE ECHO (November 12, 1999) discusses UFO video footage shot over Hipperholme, described as some of the best in England for three decades. UFOlogists suggest the object darts too quickly to be a conventional aircraft and shifts shape, with possible explanations including a 'spacecraft' or a bizarre optical illusion.

Falling ice balls baffle scientists

This FORTEANA NEWS article (March 22, 2000) reports on scientists in Spain being puzzled by large ice balls falling from the sky. The National Weather Forecasting Institute ruled out hail stones, and theories involving airliner toilets or comet tails have been questioned due to the scattered nature of the falls.

Wrong color for jet waste, expert says

This ARIZONA REPUBLIC article (January 19, 2000) briefly mentions that a team of scientists is analyzing ice blocks that have fallen in Spain, with a geologist noting that the ice lacks the coloration of jet waste.

Cosmic predators

(This appears to be a continuation or related article to the one on cattle mutilations, focusing on the 'extra-terrestrial breed' harvesting animals.)

Play It Again, Earth

This TIMES article (March 28, 2000) discusses new research suggesting that the Earth's continuous vibration, known as the 'hum,' may be linked to atmospheric convective turbulence, particularly during Northern Hemisphere summers.

Bigfoot is big deal for group of Alabamians, Atlantans

This JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION article (April 9, 2000) profiles the Alabama Bigfoot Seekers Research Group, who actively search for Bigfoot (Sasquatch). The group believes reports of sightings are true and uses various methods to gather information. They have joined forces with an association in Atlanta to form the Southeastern Bigfoot Research Organization.

Vance Orchard: Touchet Valley Ramblings

This TIMES article (February 17, 2000) discusses Dar Addington, who uses pack goats for her Bigfoot tracking expeditions in the Touchet Valley. The article highlights the utility of pack goats for carrying gear and mentions Dar's expertise in tracking and making plaster casts of Bigfoot tracks.

Wanted, preferably alive: proof that Okanagan Lake's fabled Ogopogo monster really exists

This NATIONAL POST article (May 2, 2000) reports on a $2-million prize offered by the Chamber of Commerce in Penticton, BC, for proof of the existence of the Ogopogo monster in Okanagan Lake. The initiative is described as a way to create fun for families and scientists alike.

It's raining fish and frogs

This NATIONAL POST article (March 21, 2000) explores the work of Charles Fort, who documented inexplicable phenomena like live creatures falling from the sky. It mentions his collection of '294 records of showers of living things' and his concept of the 'Super-Sargasso Sea.' The article also notes the continued publication of The Fortean Times and the influence of Fort's work on filmmakers like P.T. Anderson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), alien encounters, and other anomalous events such as animal mutilations, strange weather phenomena (falling ice), and cryptid sightings (Bigfoot, Ogopogo). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear interest in documenting these phenomena and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown origins, while also acknowledging scientific skepticism and natural explanations. The articles often highlight the dedication of amateur researchers and the public's fascination with these mysteries.