UFO Newsclipping Service - 2001 07 - no 384

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 2001, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent article questioning the dwindling number of UFO sightings in the Lake Norman area. The magazine features a mix of investigative journalism, personal accounts, and expert opinions on UFOs, government secrecy, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Lake-area UFO sightings have dwindled in recent years

This lead article by Ken H. Fortenberry explores the history of UFO sightings around Lake Norman, North Carolina, a region once considered a hotbed for such activity. It highlights several intriguing cases, including a sighting in October 1982 by two employees of the McGuire Nuclear Station who observed a dull silver UFO with 'four legs' hovering near them. Another account from the late summer of 1968 describes a couple's frightening encounter with a cigar-shaped object that changed colors and emitted a hum. A 1972 sighting by a Lake Norman businessman involved a saucer-like object with flashing windows. UFO expert George Fawcett, a Lincolnton resident, is featured prominently, stating that UFOs are real and pose a potential threat to national security. He believes UFOs may draw power from nuclear plants and water sources, and are often seen near military sites. Fawcett also notes that famous individuals, including former presidents and astronauts, have reported seeing UFOs. The article touches upon the government's stance on UFO investigations, suggesting a lack of conclusive evidence, a point disputed by Fawcett and other believers. It also mentions a 1965 incident where pilots Philip Parker and H.T. Mayhew encountered unidentified objects near Lake Norman, with one photograph taken.

Speaker: Aliens monitor Earth

This section, featuring an article by Sandra Fish from the Daily Camera, reports on a University of Colorado event where Dr. Steven Greer presented his 'Disclosure Project.' Over 600 UFO enthusiasts attended to hear testimony from former government and military employees about extraterrestrial beings and government monitoring. Greer, a physician, aims to persuade Congress to hold hearings on the government's interaction with alien life forms. He believes aliens are monitoring Earth, possibly due to concerns about weapons use, and are waiting for humanity to mature. The article also includes a dissenting view from Maureen Murphy, who believes aliens are abducting women and creating a hybrid race.

UFO Reported Recently Near Scappoose

This letter to the editor from Peter B. Davenport, Director of the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), seeks witnesses to a reported UFO sighting near Scappoose, Oregon, over the weekend of May 10-12. The witness described a peculiar object descending from the night sky, altering its appearance, and maneuvering nearby. Davenport emphasizes that NUFORC guarantees anonymity to those who come forward.

UFO legend keeps going

This article by Pat Forgey from the News-Register discusses the enduring legacy of the 1950 McMinnville UFO sighting, where Paul Trent photographed two unidentified objects. Phil Bladine, the retired editor who first published the photos, and videographer Terry Halstead, who created a documentary on the case, shared their perspectives. Both believe the photos themselves were not a hoax, but they remain uncertain about the nature of the objects. Halstead noted the government's secrecy surrounding UFOs, which he investigated for years using the Freedom of Information Act. Historian Tim Hills, also interviewed, became a believer after researching the case.

UFO gathering seeking to open minds of the skeptical

Robert Houk reports on the 7th Annual UFO, E.T. Contact and Bigfoot Outdoor Conference and Sky Watch hosted by the United States UFO Information and Research Center at Roan Mountain State Park. Allen McGee, the founder, aims to educate the public and open the minds of skeptics to the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. The conference features lectures on various phenomena, including UFOs, Bigfoot, and angelic visitations, and introduces terms like 'OWV' (Off World Vehicles) and 'OWC' (Off World Craft) to distinguish between alleged extraterrestrial craft and covert military aircraft.

The Real Story: Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe

This cover story by William P. Barrett reviews Karl T. Pflock's book, which challenges the conventional narrative of the Roswell Incident. Pflock, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense and a former believer in alien UFOs, concluded after extensive research that the incident was 'sheer hooey.' He argues that the markings on the debris were from terrestrial adhesive tape, and that the crash involved a U.S. government-sponsored radar balloon (Project Mogul), not an alien spaceship. Pflock debunks key witness accounts, including those of Frank J. Kaufmann and Jim Ragsdale, and questions the credibility of Roswell mortician Glenn Dennis. He points to declassified government memos that do not mention Roswell and suggest a lack of physical evidence for alien craft. Pflock criticizes the 'pro-UFO lobby' for promoting sensationalized and often unverified stories.

Midway man encounters odd circle in his pasture

This article from the Daily Record reports on Glenn Graves, a Midway man who discovered an unexplained oval-shaped spot in his pasture. The spot, measuring 29 feet by 43 feet, had darker, looser soil than the surrounding area and initially lacked vegetation. Graves, who was hesitant to report it for fear of being ridiculed, eventually contacted the Chaves County Sheriff's Office. The article notes that vegetation is now growing in the circle and mentions a peculiar, misshapen nanny goat that Graves owns.

UFO center up for invasion

Bill Mckeown writes about Judy Messoline's UFO Center and campground in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Messoline, who initially intended to raise cattle, now caters to UFO enthusiasts and tourists. The center offers a watchtower for stargazing and a gift shop selling alien-themed merchandise. Messoline herself has seen strange lights in the sky but is coy about her personal beliefs, emphasizing that she provides a non-judgmental space for visitors to share their experiences.

Something out there is reading my mind, UFO spotter says

This article by John Mackie profiles Dorothy Izatt of Richmond, British Columbia, who claims to have been filming UFOs and 'light beings' since 1974. Izatt has amassed 500 Super-8 movies and has been featured on various television shows. She will be showing her films at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, where she will present footage of 'families of beings, aliens, getting on their ship.' Izatt believes she has a 'sixth sense' and can communicate telepathically with these beings. Dr. Lee Pulos, a clinical psychologist, acknowledges that something is occurring but questions its nature.

UFO riddle quest

Melina Cannon reports on a search for Keith Harris, who claimed to have witnessed swirling lights over Ullenhall Lane in Beoley, England, in 1972. John Hanson and Dawn Holloway are compiling a book on UFO phenomena and are seeking witnesses like Harris, as well as Pc William Hunt, who responded to a report from Rita Tallis. They aim to create a chronological record of UFO sightings, distinguishing between sensationalized accounts and credible evidence. The article notes that many sightings occur around 'energy lines' and in the countryside, and witnesses often report strange after-effects. It also mentions former policeman Ben Goodwin's own sighting of a silver ball in Glasgow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings despite official skepticism, the potential threat posed by unidentified phenomena, and the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate and document these events. There's a clear emphasis on the credibility of witnesses and the challenges they face in being taken seriously. The magazine also highlights the government's historical secrecy surrounding UFOs and the ongoing debate between believers and debunkers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to consider the evidence, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation, as exemplified by Karl T. Pflock's critical analysis of the Roswell Incident.

This compilation of newspaper articles from early 2001 focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and related mysteries reported across various regions, including England, Ireland, and North America. The content highlights eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and journalistic investigations into these events.

Key Articles and Reports

Close Encounter Puts Town on the UFO Map (Western Gazette, Jan. 25, 2001)
Christopher Jarvis of Yeovil reported seeing a large, rectangle-shaped object hovering slowly with two flashing lights at the front and back. He followed it for 30-40 seconds before it sped away. UFO researcher Dave Thomas noted this was the first report from Yeovil, though similar sightings had occurred elsewhere in Somerset. Thomas described the object as potentially a classic triangle shape seen from a different angle, and noted the increasing number of sightings of triangle shapes, often attributed to stealth fighters but too fast for such explanations.

UFO Cover Up Allegation (Examiner, March 6, 2001)
An international magazine, UFO Magazine, published a four-page spread alleging a cover-up regarding a mystery collision on Snaefell peak, Isle of Man. Emergency services launched a major search after reports of something hitting a mast, causing sparks and a smoke trail. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage was found. Police suggested a model plane or microlight. The magazine, however, presented eight points suggesting this explanation was unlikely, citing witness reports of dense black smoke, object size estimates, and damage to the mast, including the destruction of emergency services' radio link. Police stated the file was closed without a satisfactory conclusion, with a model aircraft or microlight remaining the primary suspects.

Second UFO Sighting Sets Village Buzzing (Sunday Life, Feb. 18, 2001)
The Fermanagh village of Kinawley experienced a second mystery UFO sighting. Two people witnessed what they believed to be a plane in trouble. A helicopter search found nothing. Adeline Lee reported seeing a "dot in front of a black trail of smoke leading down at an angle towards the mountain." Paul McCaffery also saw the object drop behind the mountain, followed by black smoke. Police confirmed multiple witnesses from as far as Cavan reported seeing the UFO.

Uncovering the Area's Unexplained Sightings (Sutton Coldfield Observer, Jan. 12, 2001)
This article highlights the area's reputation as a UFO hotspot, featuring local man David Kingston, who believes UFO sightings are evidence of extraterrestrial life. Kingston reported 145 sightings over Dorset in the previous year, with 44 remaining unexplained after investigation. The article also includes Bob Bierd's account of seeing bright lights in Erdington in 1977 and his subsequent involvement in UFO research. It details common sightings in the Birmingham area, including triangle-shaped craft, and mentions evidence collected, such as NASA video footage and metals of unexplainable consistency. A dossier of sightings dating back to the sixties in Sutton and North Birmingham is also presented, including reports of disc-shaped crafts, spinning objects, three-pointed stars, and a large rectangular object.

Did You See a UFO the Size of 2 Double-Deckers? (Chad, Jan. 10, 2001)
A Mansfield man reported seeing a large white light, the size of two double-decker buses, moving across the sky. Gloria Dixon of the British UFO Research Association stated there were no reported sightings in the Nottinghamshire area during that Christmas period, attributing most sightings to aircraft or astronomical phenomena.

E.T. in Turkey (Herald-Sun, June 12, 2001)
A brief report mentions Turkish authorities cordoning off an area near Narli village following sightings of an "E.T.-like being," with witnesses describing a 75cm alien.

The Truth Is Out There (Daily Express, June 1, 2001)
This feature explores various UFO-related incidents and explanations. It includes a metallic doughnut hovering in Columbus, Georgia, identified as a US Army unmanned aerial vehicle (Cypher). It also features a cigar-shaped shadow seen by pilot David Hastings over the Mojave Desert, explained as a cloud casting a shadow or substance from the plane. A spinning pink disc filmed by Sharon Rowlands in Derbyshire is discussed, with experts suggesting it could be a hoax, reflection, or camera anomaly. A red object in Antarctica is identified as a lenticular cloud.

Monkey-man Episode Result of Mass Hysteria (Metro, June 19, 2001)
An investigation in New Delhi concluded that the "monkey-man" panic was a product of mass hysteria, with the creature being a "mere figment of the imagination of emotionally weak people," exacerbated by sensational media coverage.

Ghost Cat May Stalk Lighthouse (Lantern, May 29, 2001)
Curator Pamela Brent reported seeing the wispy gray spirit of a cat at a lighthouse in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Mummified remains of a gray cat were discovered during renovations, leading to speculation about its preservation.

Mysteries of the Big Thicket (Examiner, June 6, 2001)
This article delves into legends of the Big Thicket National Preserve, including the "ghost light" along Bragg Road and sightings of Bigfoot-like creatures. Author Rob Riggs recounts his research and personal experiences, including a detailed account of a "ghost light" that pursued a car. The article also touches on the "Wild Man" legend and Bigfoot sightings, citing the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization.

Chief Believes Big Prints Could Only Belong to Bigfoot (National Post, June 20, 2001)
Footprints found on the Weenusk First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, measuring 35 cm long and 12 cm wide, have led to speculation about Bigfoot. Chief Abraham Hunter stated the prints were not from a bear and were spaced two metres apart. An Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources officer also found an unusual track.

Odd Rock Puzzles Shishmaref Hunters (Daily News, June 1, 2001)
Curtis Nayokpuk found an 80-pound, 12-inch long rock encased in ice nine miles off Shishmaref, Alaska. The rock was hot enough to melt the ice around it. Experts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are examining it, with initial impressions suggesting it is unlikely to be a meteorite due to the lack of surface melting characteristics.

Subglacial Lake Generates Research and Conspiracy Theories (N.W. Florida Daily News, June 29, 2001)
The discovery of Lake Vostok, a vast subglacial lake two miles below the South Pole, has sparked scientific interest for studying extremophile life and testing equipment for space missions, as well as conspiracy theories involving Atlantis and alien encounters.

More Feline Sightings Keep Oakwood in Up-roar (Progress, May 16, 2001)
Residents of Oakwood reported sightings of a large animal resembling a female African lion. Despite searches by sheriff's deputies, the animal remained elusive. Some residents expressed concern about the lack of confirmation and the potential danger.

Mystery Still Unsolved (Daily Mail, May 25, 2001)
This article addresses the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, noting that while no ships have disappeared since the Seventies, aircraft continue to crash with regularity. It lists statistics of plane losses and fatalities from the Fifties to the Nineties and mentions a Cessna 172 crash in 2000 where the pilot reported "I don't see anything" despite clear conditions. It also touches on UFO reports preceding disappearances.

Big Footprints Stir Sasquatch Speculation (National Post, June 25, 2001)
Reports of large footprints found on the Weenusk First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario have fueled speculation about Bigfoot. Chief Abraham Hunter described the prints as not belonging to a bear and spaced two metres apart. An MNR officer also found an unusual track. Experts suggest such sightings can be influenced by cultural beliefs and the power of imagination.

Vance Orchard: Touchet Valley Ramblings (Times, May 3, 2001)
Ron Knapp of the Washington Bigfoot Research Group (WBRG) reported ongoing Bigfoot research in the area, including snowmobile surveys and the discovery of old tracks. A motion camera has been placed in an area where creature screams have been heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the persistent reports of UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and encounters with mysterious creatures like Bigfoot. There is a clear interest in investigating these phenomena, with some articles leaning towards skepticism and scientific explanations, while others highlight the enduring mystery and the possibility of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events, presenting eyewitness accounts, and sometimes exploring potential explanations or the lack thereof, reflecting a public fascination with the unexplained.