UFO Newsclipping Service - 2000 12 - no 377

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 2000, number 377, is published by UFO Newsclipping Service in Plumerville, Arkansas, USA. It features a cover story about a UFO watchtower in Colorado and includes articles on various UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, government secrecy surrounding black projects, and the phenomenon of crop circles.

UFO Watchtower Provides a Platform for True Believers

The lead article by Judith Kohler, from the Associated Press, introduces Judy Messoline and Stan Becker, who have built a 10-foot-high UFO-watching platform on their 620-acre ranch near Hooper, Colorado. They charge $2 admission and rent binoculars, catering to people who want to believe in UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. Messoline, a fan of 'The X-Files,' has seen strange lights in the sky and wants to believe, stating it would take a landing for her to be convinced. The San Luis Valley, where their ranch is located, is known for stories of cattle mutilations, mysterious helicopters, and oddly shaped aircraft. The watchtower offers a view of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The article also mentions Christopher O'Brien's book, 'The Mysterious Valley,' which examines reports of unexplained phenomena in the area. Messoline built the tower to generate income as cattle ranching was struggling. The watchtower opened on Memorial Day weekend and has been busy with visitors, some of whom are on a circuit that includes Roswell, New Mexico. Messoline finds joy in her work, stating she can giggle the whole time. She also provides a place for people to share their tales of extraterrestrial encounters without fear of ridicule. Saguache County Undersheriff Mike Norris confirms that while his office doesn't get frequent reports of mysterious lights, people do talk. The article also briefly references the 1967 Snippy the horse incident, where the horse was found stripped of flesh and drained of fluids, which became part of the lore surrounding strange animal deaths.

Lights Over the Wanaque

This article by Holly Ennist Stewart, from Suburban Trends, details a series of UFO sightings over Wanaque Reservoir in New Jersey, beginning on a cold January night 34 years prior (circa 1966). Area residents reported a glowing light, possibly a fire, hovering in the air. Witnesses described it as a pulsating white stationary light changing to red, with no noise. Mayor Harry Wolfe and his son Billy described the object as oval and estimated its size to be between two and nine feet in diameter. Police radios became jammed, and traffic gummed up Ringwood Avenue. Wanaque Patrol Officer Joseph Cisco and Councilman Warren Hagstrom were among the witnesses. The UFO emitted a beam of light that pierced the ice on the reservoir. After nearly half an hour, it took off to the southeast, seen again over Lakeland Regional High School and a sandpit in Haskell before heading toward Wayne. Officer Cisco saw the object again the next morning over Wyckoff. Sgt. David Sisco and former policeman Charles Theodora also witnessed a 'cylinder' moving in a 'rocking chair motion' before it shot straight up. Radar was installed on the dam afterward. On October 10th, lights returned, with Sgt. Ben Thompson observing an object making acute angular turns that raised the water beneath it before speeding away. The article dismisses explanations like seismic pressure from the Ramapo fault or helicopters/swamp gas, encouraging readers to keep their eyes open.

A Man Named Wille - Wanamingo Man Featured in British Magazine

This article by Sara Carlson from the News-Record highlights Les Wille of Wanamingo, Minnesota, an amateur astronomer who gained international attention for a video tape he made. In May 1997, Wille recorded transmissions from NASA of the STS-84 docking with the Mir space station. He discovered numerous irregular objects passing close to and beyond the Mir, which he described as a 'fleet' of sphere-like objects exhibiting 'intelligently controlled maneuvers.' Wille believes NASA has something to hide and that these objects are 'controlled craft' manufactured by humans or extraterrestrials. He feels NASA would be embarrassed if the footage were widely broadcast. Despite attempts to attract attention from U.S. scientists and media, he was advised to forget about it. He shared the tape with a woman in Florida, who sent it to a scientist in England who believed the objects were not ice chunks. The magazine 'The Unopened Files' published an article and pictures from the tape in its spring 1999 edition, offering copies to readers. The article notes that the NASA channel feed Wille used was open to the public until shortly after the incident. Wille wants NASA to tell the truth, questioning why NASA remains silent on the matter.

Black World Planes Fly Dark Skies: Secret Aircraft Unveiling Rumored to Be Imminent

This article by Dennis Anderson from the Antelope Valley Press discusses 'black aircraft' or Special Access Programs (SAPs) operating in secrecy. It mentions the possibility of a new mystery plane, nicknamed 'Switchblade' or 'Bird of Prey,' emerging soon, as suggested by the November issue of Popular Science. The article notes that such programs are overseen by a select few and that the Air Force's budget for classified procurement is substantial. It references the 'Aurora' spy plane, rumored in the 1990s, believed to have revolutionary propulsion technology and capable of Mach-6 speeds. The article also touches on the historical precedent of de-classifying covert programs during election seasons, citing President Lyndon B. Johnson revealing the 'Blackbird' spy plane during his campaign. It discusses the denial of such programs by Air Force officials and the challenges in verifying their existence. The article mentions that internet sites explore connections between black world aircraft programs and UFO sightings. It also touches on the skepticism of analysts like John Pike, who doubts the existence of operational deployments of secret aircraft, and the historical context of stealth technology unveiling, such as the F-117 stealth fighter.

What's That in the Sky?

This article by Erica Jacobson from the Free Press details Tom McFarland's experience in July 1997, when his satellite dish went out, and he witnessed a triangular craft with a pure white light land near his Lyndonville, Vermont home. McFarland, now the state director for the Mutual UFO Network of Vermont (MUFON), has become a contact person for UFO reports in the state. The article notes that MUFON is a national organization with a Vermont chapter of about four members. It discusses how people used to report UFOs to the police, but now MUFON serves as a reporting hub. Kevin McLaughlin, Chittenden County Sheriff, states that military operations used to generate UFO reports, but now they are rare. The article also mentions author Joe Citro, who collects 'far-out tales,' and notes that society has become accustomed to information about UFOs, making them seem like 'business as usual.' It also briefly touches on historical sightings in Vermont dating back to 1907.

Will Bush Reveal Secrets of UFOs, if Elected President?

This article by Jon Baughman from the Broad Top Bulletin reports on a pledge made by George W. Bush during his election campaign to reveal the truth about UFOs if elected President. The article recalls Jimmy Carter's similar promise in 1976, which was reportedly blocked by bureaucracy. Charles Huffer of MUFON approached Bush in Arkansas, and according to a transcript, Bush indicated that his running mate, Dick Cheney, would address the issue. The article notes that the UFO investigation is classified 'Above Top Secret,' even higher than the Manhattan Project, making the odds against revelation slim. It also mentions Senator Barry Goldwater's past efforts to access UFO information at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and his belief that the subject is classified 'Above Top Secret.' Former Congressman Gerald Ford is also quoted advocating for a committee investigation into UFO phenomena.

UFO Network Opens Its Doors in Ken Caryl Mall

This article by Kieran Nicholson from The Denver Post reports on the new storefront location of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in Ken Caryl, Colorado. MUFON, a nonprofit corporation with 4,000 members worldwide, moved from Seguin, Texas, to Ken Caryl. The office is filled with books, magazines, and reports on UFOs and aliens, including a miniature flying saucer and a pickled 'alien.' John Schuessler, the international director, states that the organization was formed in 1969 after the Air Force closed its 'Blue Book' project. MUFON investigates reports of sightings and contacts with unidentified flying objects and sends investigators to the scene for valid reports. Schuessler, a retired aerospace engineer, moved to Colorado to be near his family. The article notes that while the San Luis Valley generates UFO reports, the move was not prompted by Colorado's status as a UFO hotbed. MUFON receives reports globally via telephone, email, and its website. Schuessler refers to UFOs as 'unconventional flying objects' that affect the environment and people, and while he doesn't rule out extraterrestrial origins, he emphasizes the need for data collection and investigation.

Crop Circles Turn Heads in Southern Minnesota

This article from People's Press details the discovery of six crop circles in a wheat field near Owatonna, Minnesota, owned by Vick Buecksler. Sandy Janke believes these circles could be evidence of extraterrestrial visitors. The circles are laid out in an east-west direction with the wheat bent uniformly. The largest is 45 feet in diameter, and they progressively get smaller. No visible tracks lead to the circles. Buecksler initially thought they were caused by army-worms but found the wheat was bent, not cut. The article notes that crop circles are not a modern phenomenon, with mentions dating back to 1678. It describes how the designs have evolved from simple circles to complex pictograms and computer symbols. The article also mentions Arthur Shuttlewood and Bryce Bond witnessing crop circle formation in England in the 1960s. It highlights that about 90 percent of the over 9,000 reported crop circles worldwide emerge from England.

Foreign News: Circular Argument Leads Us Nowhere

This letter to the Daily Mail from Mrs. Lucy Pringle argues that scientific tests and the geometry of genuine crop circles distinguish them from man-made examples. She notes that crop circles have appeared in fields without tractor tramlines and cites reports from the 1930s and aerial photographs from 1943 showing circles. She also mentions formations in ice, snow, and other crops, and describes a complex barley webbing formation in Sussex where stalks were bent uniformly without breaking. She questions what force could create such a formation. Another letter from Bert Pridgeon comments on the revelation that most crop circles are man-made, suggesting it was more fun to imagine aliens creating 'graffiti.' Mark Walker writes that 'Hoaxers' differ from 'Believers' in that hoaxers make little money, while believers have a vested interest in keeping the myth alive. He recounts witnessing a 'heart-shaped crop formation' explained as an alien sign of love, and the creator stating it took only one to three seconds to form.

Foreign News: Crop Circles

This letter to the Daily Echo discusses Mike Wray's description of a crop circle site glowing before dawn and suggests that a magnetic energy might exist beneath the ground. Ernie Sears, a public relations officer for SUFOG, recounts experiencing this energy at Avebury and near Silbury Hill, noting that entry into crop circles caused blinding headaches and disorientation. He disagrees with theories that ignore the intelligence and intention behind the patterns.

Foreign News: Stargazer Spots Some Funny Goings-On in the Night Sky

This article from the Folkestone Herald reports on Les Stagg of Dymchurch, England, who claims to have seen a UFO. He described a red, half-moon shaped dome that hovered before a silver cube began to revolve around it. His daughter, Rebecca Ashby, heard a strange noise like a helicopter but more static.

Is It A Bird? Is It A Plane? IS IT A BONE?

This article from the Medway Standard reports a UFO sighting in Medway, England, by a couple in Rainham. They described a high-altitude object with a solid circular figure-of-eight shape, almost like a dog's bone, which was difficult to identify. The man stated he was open-minded but not a fanatic and that the object was baffling and unexplainable. A spokesman for RAF Aeronautical Information Service stated there had not been a UFO sighting since August 1st in Bradford. Roy Lake, chairman of London UFO Studies, stated that while they hadn't had calls from Kent recently, he wouldn't doubt the sighting.

To Walk Among the Stars: Search for Life Beyond Earth

This article by William F. Wu, a doctoral degree holder in American culture, concludes a series on black world projects and UFOs. It discusses the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Tom McDonough, SETI coordinator for the Planetary Society and senior scientist of the Skeptics Society, discusses the Drake Equation and the likelihood of planets forming around stars. He remains a skeptic about alien visitations to Earth, suggesting that reports of UFOs and alien abductions lack hard evidence. He believes that 'black world' aircraft programs, like the stealth fighter and bomber, could be mistaken for UFOs. The article also references a French military study, 'UFOs and Defense: What Should We Prepare For?', which concluded that about 5% of investigated sightings involve unknown flying machines with exceptional performances. It touches on the cultural fascination with UFOs, influenced by science fiction movies like 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' and 'Independence Day.' Kevin Randle, a researcher into the Roswell incident, is quoted stating that while he believes the Roswell crash debris was extraterrestrial, he finds no proof of human abduction by aliens. He also expresses skepticism about aliens visiting Area 51, suggesting it is likely a site for developing new military aircraft. The article concludes by noting that while 43% of Americans believe in UFOs and 54% believe in intelligent life elsewhere, the mystery of these phenomena continues to inspire wonder.

Unusual Business Intrigues Those Passing By

This article by Mary Hastings from Life at Ken-Caryl reports on the opening of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) international headquarters in a Ken Caryl, Colorado, strip mall. MUFON, founded in 1969, is an international scientific organization dedicated to studying UFOs. Its Board of Consultants includes professionals from various scientific fields. MUFON aims to determine the origins and purposes of UFOs and inform the public. Membership is by invitation only, with 3,000 members in 65 countries. John Schuessler, a retired aerospace engineer and MUFON founding member, is the new international director. The article highlights Schuessler's involvement in the Gemini space program and his investigation into the Texas Cash-Landrum UFO Case. It emphasizes MUFON's process of researching cases, including witness state of mind and environmental factors, to distinguish hoaxes from legitimate encounters. The article notes that Schuessler believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life, having seen too many unexplainable things while working for NASA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the role of government secrecy in these matters. The articles explore both anecdotal accounts from ordinary citizens and the perspectives of researchers, scientists, and military personnel. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications. The issue also touches upon the cultural impact of UFOs, particularly through science fiction and media portrayals. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and evidence-based investigation. The publication itself, 'UFO Newsclipping Service,' suggests a mission to collect and disseminate information on the subject from various sources.

This issue of the Daily Mail, dated November 11, 2000, features a prominent cover story titled "ALIENS UNDER THE SEA," which delves into the phenomenon of Unidentified Submergible Objects (USOs). The main headline poses the question: "Forget UFOs, something fishy is going on in the Caribbean. Are Unidentified Submergible Objects the latest space menace? Judge the facts for yourself." The article is written by Timothy Good, presented as one of the world's most respected authorities on UFOs, and supported by retired Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton.

Aliens Under the Sea

The lead article by Timothy Good explores the concept of USOs, suggesting that many objects identified as UFOs can also operate underwater. It highlights the incident at Lake Cote, Costa Rica, on September 4, 1971, where a metallic disc, approximately 160ft in diameter, was photographed by a map-making camera. The object appeared and disappeared between frames, ruling out tricks of light. The article notes that USOs have been reported for centuries, sometimes seen transforming between aerial and submersible states.

Another focus is Puerto Rico, described as a hotspot for USO activity, particularly near the Bermuda Triangle. Eyewitness accounts from fishermen and coastguards detail encounters with objects giving off light, sometimes submerged, sometimes skimming the surface. One report from November 6, 1973, off the coast of Mississippi, describes fishermen and coastguards encountering a USO that felt metallic, was about 12ft long, and emitted a beam of amber light.

José Orlando Golís, a Puerto Rican government employee, reported seeing UFOs flying over water near El Yunque, and described one object with many colored lights that made a humming sound. Felix Rivera, a diver, confirmed that American military personnel have also witnessed USOs in the area. Inocencia Cataquet, a diver, recounted finding a disc-shaped submersible craft on the seabed near Peña Blancas, which then emerged from the water and flew away.

The article questions the military's awareness of these phenomena, given the frequency of sightings around Puerto Rico, a US territory. It mentions the presence of advanced radar equipment, including an aerostat (tethered balloon) and the Arecibo radio telescope, suggesting these could be used for tracking such objects.

Ironically, the article notes that while SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) looks for alien life light years away, unusual craft have been reported near the Arecibo observatory itself, including boomerang-shaped and disc-shaped objects.

Other Mysteries Explored

The magazine also features several other articles on unexplained phenomena:

Bigfoot Sightings and Research

Several articles discuss Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch. One piece from the STAR newspaper in Whitehorse, Yukon, recounts Colette Opper's 1996 encounter with three UFOs and a subsequent shadowing by an unidentified object after leaving Takhini Hot Springs. Hypnotist Helen Neufeld suggests Opper may have been detained by alien beings.

Another article from the MAIL TRIBUNE in Medford, OR, reports that interest in a Bigfoot sighting at the Oregon Caves National Monument had faded quickly. Superintendent Craig Akerman stated that no visitors commented on the sighting.

A report from the TIMES in Seattle, WA, presents differing views on Bigfoot tracks found on the Lower Hoh Indian Reservation. Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum concluded there was insufficient evidence, while tracker Cliff Crook believes the evidence is substantial.

An article from the DAILY OKLAHOMAN discusses how the 1970s media portrayal of Bigfoot hindered serious research, making people fearful of ridicule. It mentions the famous Patterson-Gimlin film and the ongoing debate about its authenticity.

The Olympian features Gene Sampson's ongoing quest to find Bigfoot on the Hoh Indian Reservation, detailing his findings of large footprints, crossed sticks, and other alleged signs. It also mentions the skepticism of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and the contrasting views on whether to capture or peacefully pursue Bigfoot.

An article from ADVOCATE in Baton Rouge, LA, highlights fears of Bigfoot in central Louisiana, with multiple sightings reported and some residents keeping children indoors. Sheriff's deputies and wildlife officials attribute these to pranksters, but logger Earl Whitstine insists on the reality of his encounter.

Atlantis and Lake Monsters

FORTEANA NEWS discusses the "Bimini Road," an underwater stone formation off Bimini, Bahamas, which has long been associated with the lost city of Atlantis. While some believe it's evidence of a lost civilization, skeptics suggest it's a natural formation. The article notes that the debate continues, with some geologists suggesting parts may be man-made.

The CENTRAL SOMERSET GAZETTE reports on unusual lights seen over Chalice Well Gardens, which visitors described as remarkable and accompanied by a roar. The article from the SUN in Vancouver, B.C., details a quest to find the legendary Ogopogo lake monster in Lake Okanagan, with a $2-million prize offered for proof of its existence.

Two articles from the HERALD-SUN in Australia and the DAILY MAIL in London discuss the search for the Loch Ness Monster. One mentions an international team using underwater microphones to detect sounds in Loch Ness, while another reports on a team attempting to trap a fabled serpent, a "cousin" of Nessie, in a Norwegian lake.

Crop Circles and Other Sightings

An article from the DAILY MAIL, London, titled "TOP OF THE CROPS," showcases astonishing new creations of crop circles from the summer of 2000, featuring aerial photographs of various complex patterns. The article notes that theories range from extraterrestrial visitors to human hoaxers.

Several smaller reports detail other sightings: a "barrel"-shaped UFO over Desborough, England; a triangular UFO over a hotel in Binley Woods, England; and a scorpion-shaped pattern in Oxfordshire, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of UFOs, USOs, Bigfoot, and legendary creatures like Atlantis and lake monsters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging skepticism and the ongoing debate surrounding these mysteries. The magazine encourages readers to "Judge the facts for yourself," indicating a commitment to exploring controversial topics without necessarily providing definitive answers. There's a clear interest in the intersection of science, folklore, and eyewitness testimony.