UFO Newsclipping Service - 2006 12 - no 449

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 2006 and numbered 449, is published by Lucius Farish and features a cover headline about a crop circle appearing east of Beloit. The publication includes a variety of articles and reports on UFO sightings, crop circles, and other unexplained phenomena from different regions.

Cover Story: A Crop Circle Appears East of Beloit

The main cover story discusses a crop circle that appeared in a field east of Beloit, Kansas, on Highway #9. The article questions whether this is the work of extraterrestrial visitors or a hoaxster, noting that it has attracted attention and caused traffic to slow down as people stop to view the phenomenon.

Elaborate Crop Circles

Another section highlights that elaborate crop circles have appeared worldwide since 1988, and that scientists have been researching them for years. Accompanying this are several images showcasing various intricate crop circle designs.

Seeing Can Be Believing

This personal account by Tom Treece recounts an experience he had with his roadie, Kerry Stewart, after their band's equipment truck broke down in Winnipeg. While waiting for repairs, they watched the World Series and later drove through North Dakota. Around 4 a.m., they noticed a bright, stationary light in the sky over Fargo, which then began to move upward rapidly and disappear. Treece and Stewart were stunned, and Treece concludes that they saw a UFO, despite his generally open-minded but rational approach to such matters.

New Twist in Missing Plane Saga

Doug Moe's column discusses the ongoing mystery of a Truax Field F-89 Scorpion jet that disappeared in 1953 with pilot Felix Moncla and radar observer Robert Wilson. The article notes that the jet, temporarily assigned to Kinross Air Base, was reportedly found 500 feet below Lake Superior. However, this claim is now uncertain, with speculation of a hoax. The incident began when radar at Kinross detected an unidentified object, leading to Moncla and Wilson being dispatched to investigate. Their jet's radar signature merged with the object's and then disappeared over Lake Superior. UFO researchers like Gord Heath and Dirk Vander Ploeg of UFO Digest have been investigating, with Vander Ploeg expressing doubts about the 'discovery' and suggesting it might be a hoax. The Great Lakes Dive Co., which posted the sonar photographs, has reportedly gone dark.

Creature Sightings Stir Talk

This article reports on a family in Tappen, North Dakota, who claim to have had close encounters with the inexplicable. Torrey and Myra Briese recount an incident where their 16-year-old son, Evan, encountered two 8-9 foot tall creatures in a hog corral that were interacting with one of their hogs. Evan fired his rifle, and one creature grabbed him, causing him to black out. A hog named Ruthy disappeared. Evan later recalled five entities dragging a hog. The family also reported seeing a flashing glow and an object scanning a waterhole with a beam of light in April, and Torrey Briese witnessed a bluish light in the sky that moved with his car. Richard Moss, a UFO investigator, found the Tappen incidents credible. The article also mentions a farmer in the Tappen area who found a sheep dead with a testicle surgically removed.

Unusual Lights Get Man's Attention

This report from Temple, Texas, features an unidentified man, a retired science teacher, who has twice seen a V-shaped cluster of lights in the morning sky. The first sighting was about five years ago, and the second occurred in September. He described the lights as moving in a V-shape, covering about 120 degrees and disappearing rapidly. He speculates about possible explanations like reflections from power lines or a comet, but finds them improbable. The lights are compared to the 'Lubbock Lights' of 1951.

Flying Object Spooks Man

This article from Industry, Maine, details an encounter by Brad Luker, a former naval intelligence crypto-tech. Luker saw strange, bright lights in the sky that he initially mistook for a helicopter. The object was low to the ground and brightly lit. He described it as 'bizarre' and unlike anything he had seen before. A woman in an SUV behind him also witnessed the lights. Luker considered the possibility of secret military aircraft but was mystified. Leland Bechtel, former director of Maine's MUFON chapter, suggests it could be a UFO, noting past activity in the area. Luker ultimately leans towards a military explanation but finds the low altitude and location puzzling.

Objects in Sky Spark Inquiry

This report from Ruidoso, New Mexico, discusses a UFO sighting over the Ranches of Sonterra. A witness reported a strange object floating slowly, followed by two other flying objects. Holloman Air Force Base stated they had no aircraft operating in that area at that time, though they did have various aircraft operating at higher altitudes. The article also mentions balloon testing by NASA and Kirkland Air Force Base as potential sources of unidentified objects. It advises contacting MUFON for reporting such phenomena.

Society is Congleton's Latest Phenomenon

This article introduces the Unknown Phenomena Investigation Group (U.P.I.A.) in Congleton, England, a non-profit organization investigating reports of 'weird and wonderful' phenomena. Founder Dave Sadler, a former aircraft engineer, approaches investigations with an open mind and scientific methods. He discusses his experiences with UFOs, hauntings, crop circles, and other mysteries, emphasizing the need for caution regarding paranormal groups that lack scientific rigor. Sadler is looking for new members and a meeting place, and encourages anyone with information or interest to contact him.

Author Returns to Investigate Area's Unexplained Mysteries

This report from Walsall, England, features author Nick Redfern, who has returned from America to investigate the mysteries of Cannock Chase, known as a UFO hotspot. Redfern plans to spend six months researching for his book, which will cover sightings of triangular-shaped objects, black panthers, and ghostly figures. He believes some sightings might be supernatural or related to ancient forts. Redfern has published six books on the unexplained and is planning a book on celebrity secrets.

Father Reports UFO's Over England!

This article from Walsall, England, by Nick Redfern, recounts his father Frank Redfern's experience in 1952. While serving as a radar mechanic in the RAF, Frank witnessed an unidentified object on radar at 50,000 feet flying parallel to the English coast. Fighter jets were scrambled, but the object streaked away towards Norway. The next day, a photographic team recorded the radar activity, and the object reappeared. However, all records and tapes were removed, and the incident was never explained.

Sky's the Limit for UFOs Book

This article from Birmingham, England, profiles John Hanson and Dawn Holloway, who are co-authoring a series of books called 'Haunted Skies' about UFOs and paranormal phenomena. Hanson's own UFO sighting in 1996 sparked his decade-long research. The books cover anecdotes dating back to the 1940s, including a saucer-shaped aircraft sighting over Stirchley in 1995 and a claimed fragment of a flying saucer recovered in Ullenhall in 1974. Hanson believes that while not all sightings may be alien life forms, the origin of these regularly spotted aircraft remains a '21st century's best kept secret.'

UFO Festival is in the Pipeline

Plans are underway to stage a UFO festival in Filey, England, next year, organized by local investigator Russ Kellett. The event aims to promote Filey as the 'UFO capital of Britain' and will include talks by experts, sky-watches, and competitions. Kellett is preserving the Flying Saucer Bureau archive, the oldest in the UK. The article notes that the Yorkshire coast is a hotspot for UFO reports and that the festival could bring tourism benefits, similar to Roswell, New Mexico.

Book Set to Probe Mystery of Chase

This article from Walsall, England, reiterates that author Nick Redfern has returned from Dallas to research his next book on the mysteries of Cannock Chase. Redfern, who has had success with books on alien spacecraft, government cover-ups, and werewolves, will focus on UFO sightings, strange lights, black panthers, and ghostly figures. He also plans to investigate the 'beast of Cannock Chase' and the ancient fort of Castle Ring. Redfern met his wife Dana while lecturing on aliens and has traveled globally for his research.

Just a Load of Hot Air!

This Daily Mail article reports on a secret Ministry of Defence study, Project Condign, which concluded that UFO sightings are not alien spacecraft but 'plasmas' of gas caused by electrical charges in the atmosphere. The 400-page report examined 30 years of sightings and found that most observers were describing natural atmospheric events. The study suggests that electromagnetic fields can trick the brain into perceiving vivid impressions. UFO watchers, however, insist this explanation does not account for all sightings, particularly those with ground trace evidence or film footage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings and the ongoing research into these phenomena. There is a clear interest in personal accounts, historical incidents, and the potential explanations offered by both official sources and independent investigators. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives from eyewitnesses, researchers, and even official reports, while acknowledging the skepticism and debate that often surrounds these topics. The publication aims to document these events and encourage further investigation.

This issue of The Guardian, dated June 29, 2006, focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related phenomena. The cover story, "Pie in the sky ...or is this really a UFO?" by Ben Knowles, details a sighting by 19-year-old Jamie Crawford in Banbury, UK, who captured footage of an object on his camcorder. The images were confirmed as genuine by an expert, who noted the object's movement and appearance. Crawford expressed excitement, stating he had always wanted to see a UFO and that this experience confirmed his belief in aliens.

Article: Pie in the sky ...or is this really a UFO?

Ben Knowles's article recounts Jamie Crawford's experience of spotting a UFO while serving food at a barbecue in his back garden. Crawford described the object as about the size of a thumbnail, glinting, and visible for about seven minutes, floating slowly upwards before disappearing. He noted its location was southeast, towards the disused RAF Upper Heyford airbase. His video footage was converted into stills, with a technician confirming the images appeared genuine and reflected real structure. Kevin Robinson, programme manager for media and performing arts, suggested that at that distance and zoom, the object's movement might appear slow. He also speculated that while it seemed a long way for aliens to travel just to observe a barbecue, the object was definitely present.

Article: Rational explanation in 'most cases'

This section discusses the work of The Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency (APRA), established in 1998, which investigates UFO sightings in the Thames Valley area. Research co-ordinator Brian James commented on Crawford's pictures, comparing them to footage taken over Abingdon in the mid-1990s. James suggested that the object's visibility duration and upward movement indicated it was likely wind-borne, possibly a balloon. The article notes a surge in UFO sightings in the 1960s and early '70s, particularly near RAF bases, with Banbury being a 'hotbed'. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that a recent study found most UFOs (or UAPs - Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) have rational explanations, such as natural phenomena or visual distortions, and that there is nothing to substantiate the existence of extraterrestrials. The MoD provided a hotline for UAP sightings: 020 7218 2140.

News Snippet: SPACE SUITS

This brief item from the National Post (Toronto, Canada, Oct. 6, 2006) reports on a German lawyer, Jens Lorek, who is seeking state compensation for individuals claiming alien abduction. Lorek, based in Dresden, specializes in social and labour law and has yet to win any abduction claims, but believes there is demand for such legal advice. He is pinning his hopes on a German law granting kidnap victims state compensation.

Article: Is anybody out there?

This article from the Evening News, Norwich, England (Aug. 29, 2006), by Kim Briscoe, asks if UFOs are real and if we are being watched. It reports on a sighting of a black triangular craft over Low Road, Hellesdon, by two people. The Norfolk UFO Society (NUFOS) is seeking more witnesses. One witness, an aviation specialist, described the object as a bright red ball that turned blue, a triangular black glass-type solid craft with pulsing lights and no sound. It fired off a light beam and then shot off silently to the north. Another witness, Austin Paxman, saw the same craft from a different angle. The article includes a list of official Ministry of Defence UFO reports for the area between 2002 and 2005, detailing various sightings of objects and lights over Norfolk locations like Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, and Gorleston-on-Sea. John Sayer of NUFOS emphasizes their scientific approach to investigations and notes that Norwich is considered a hotspot for UFO activity in the UK. He mentions that about seven percent of people have seen a UFO, with millions of sightings documented globally, though only a small percentage are reported. Information is available from www.ufoevidence.org.

Translations Section

This section presents translations of UFO reports from South American and other Spanish-language newspapers and media sources, with copyright retained by Scott Corrales and the Institute for Hispanic Ufology.

Peru: UFO Flies Over Ica and Huatyara (Oct. 13, 2006)

Engineers in Antapite, Peru, captured a photo of a silvery, unidentified flying object over the Huaytara Highlands. The photo was taken on September 22 by Wilber Manrique, a geologist, during demolition work. The object was only noticed upon reviewing the downloaded photos.

Uruguay: Explosions of Unknown Origin and Triangular UFO (Oct. 28, 2006)

Two explosions were reported in the cities of Colon and Paysandu, Uruguay. Witnesses reported seeing a gigantic triangular craft flying silently at low altitude, with blue, white, and yellow lights. Media attention was drawn, and government officials stated they were not engaged in maneuvers.

Argentina: Police Encounter UFO in the Town of Mercedes (Oct. 30, 2006)

Members of the Grupo Investigador de Fenomenos Aeroespaciales Desconocidos (GIFAD) reported a case where police officers saw an intense light hovering at low altitude. They described a dark circular structure with a red light at its core and a circle of whitish-yellow lights. The object moved silently and vanished. A curious detail was that communication was established with a police station in a different city when the emergency channel was used.

Mexico: Luminous Sphere Over Mexico City (Nov. 2, 2006)

Ana Luisa Cid reported videotaping a luminous sphere on October 31, 2006. The object was initially silver, then turned red and increased in brightness. It moved quickly and vanished, leaving a small cloud. Cid also recorded a similar phenomenon on January 28, 2002.

Mexico: Alleged UFO Causes a Stir in Aguas Calientes (Nov. 2, 2006)

A videographer, Manuel Palacios, summoned nearly 70 people to witness a UFO in the Aguas Calientes town square. The object floated like a balloon, flew slowly, and resembled a white-colored plantain, convulsing like a worm. A radio station sent a reporter to cover the event live. Airport officials reported no conventional aircraft in the area.

Chile: Antofagasta - Petroglyph Associated With UFOs? (Nov. 7, 2006)

A petroglyph found in the Talabre ravine, dating back to Atacaman prehistory, depicts a being with an oval head, large eyes, and long hands, which some associate with UFOs or divinity. The petroglyph is linked to Atacaman shepherds and ancient Andean myths.

Mexico: UFO Sighting on the Guadalajara-Morelia Highway (Nov. 9, 2006)

A photograph taken by Gustavo Gilberto Pacheco shows an object that appeared in the same position in multiple images, suggesting it was not a sun reflection, as a shadow was visible underneath.

Mexico: Flying Saucer Reported Over Chihuahua (Nov. 13, 2006)

Residents of Saucillo observed an enormous flying saucer moving with great ease for nearly half an hour. Jesus Jose Melendez Hermosilo videotaped the event. Municipal police also reported seeing a light darting around the sky.

Argentina: UFO Over Necochea (Nov. 15, 2006)

Several families in Necochea witnessed a large circular object with whitish-blue lights flying at a low altitude and in complete silence. Airport sources confirmed no conventional aircraft were present.

Mexico: UFO Reported During Grand Prix (Nov. 18, 2006)

Alfonso Salazar reported that several people at the Hermanos Rodriguez Speedway witnessed an amorphous, red-colored flying object during the Mexico Grand Prix. This is the second such report during the event.

Canary Islands: UFOs Over the Canary Islands? (Nov. 22, 2006)

Reports of strange lights in the Tacoronte sector of northern Tenerife led to phone calls to a newsroom. Some witnesses spoke of UFOs, and some reported household appliances failing. The explanation offered by experts includes satellites and helicopters, with the appliance failures attributed to signal inhibitors used for security during royal visits.

Venezuela: Triangular UFO Over Caracas (Nov. 24, 2006)

Three people witnessed a triangular UFO on November 16, described as white with luminous variations of blue, red, and green. It moved with a 'zigzagging' motion and vanished into the clouds. The witness described a glowing, cone-shaped white wake that caused a sensation akin to nausea. Other reports of similar objects in Caracas are mentioned.

Mexico: UFO Over Perote, Veracruz (Nov. 27, 2006)

A UFO was photographed near Cofre de Perote shortly before it snowed. The object was described as cigar-shaped and staggered, known as "motherships." The area is known for strange sightings, and the governor of Veracruz once stated, "the Martians are already here."

Argentina: Strange Flying Object Captured With a Cell Phone in Santa Isabel (Nov. 9, 2006)

Juan Ramon Rodriguez captured an intense light that moved from side to side over Santa Isabel. He described it as a strange light that made sudden movements and then stopped, allowing him to take a photo with his cell phone. He noted the object emitted an intense light and was visible despite being high up.

Mexico: UFO Over Perote, Veracruz (Nov. 27, 2006)

An amateur shutterbug photographed a UFO near Cofre de Perote. The object was described as cigar-shaped and staggered, known as "motherships." The area is known for strange sightings, and the governor of Veracruz once stated, "the Martians are already here."

Mexico: UFO Sighting on the Guadalajara-Morelia Highway (Nov. 9, 2006)

This entry appears to be a duplicate of an earlier report, referencing a photograph taken by Gustavo Gilberto Pacheco and shared by Oscar Franco and Ana Luisa Cid.

Article: Idaho professor becomes a campus outcast with his Bigfoot research

This article from the Log Cabin Democrat (Conway, AR, Nov. 4, 2006) profiles Jeffrey Meldrum, a tenured professor of anatomy at Idaho State University and an authority on Bigfoot. Meldrum's research into Bigfoot has made him an outcast on campus, with some scientists questioning his academic pursuits. Despite skepticism, Meldrum analyzes over 200 plaster casts of alleged Bigfoot footprints and believes he has produced substantial evidence. He notes that Bigfoot research has moved from the occult section to the natural science section in bookstores. Martin Hackworth, a senior lecturer, called Meldrum's research a "joke." However, John Kijinski, dean of arts and sciences, defended Meldrum, calling him a "bona fide scientist" who provides dissenting viewpoints. Jane Goodall, the primatologist, is cited as a distinguished supporter of Meldrum's work. The article also touches on the legend of Bigfoot, its origins in Native American folklore, and hoaxes that have occurred.

Article: More On Bigfoot

This article from Clayton Today (Clayton, OK, Aug. 31, 2006) by Eddie A. Owens discusses Jess Johnson, owner of Indian Mounds Camp, who believes a large bipedal creature inhabits the woods near his home. Johnson's customer had a late-night encounter, and later, Johnson found large footprints in a shale pit. He measured the footprints and stride, and the Sheriff's Office took plaster casts. Johnson has also smelled a distinct odor and noted his horses acting spooked. The article concludes by acknowledging the existence of both believers and skeptics regarding Bigfoot.

Article: Cattle mutilations resurrect recurring mystery

This article from the Tribune (Great Falls, MT, Nov. 11, 2006) by Karen Ogden reports on a mutilated cow found on John Peterson's ranch in Valier, Montana. The cow's udder, genitals, and rectum were precisely cut out, with no blood spills or footprints found. Peterson, a lifelong rancher, dismisses natural predators as the cause. The article mentions other theories, including pranksters, cults, and aliens. It notes a similar spate of mutilations in 2002 and mentions that cuts are often made with surgical precision. The case is being investigated as felony criminal mischief by Sheriff Tom Kuka. Peterson found an intriguing clue: an impression in the stubble field where the cow had lain, suggesting it might have fallen from the sky.

Article: Is Bigfoot stalking Lake Country?

This article from the Lake Country Reporter (Hartland, WI, Nov. 16, 2006) by Kristi Haunfelder explores reports of Bigfoot sightings in a two-county area. It mentions a sighting by David Radeztsky and a friend in the Town of Merton. Marlin Johnson, a biology professor, expresses skepticism, stating that while it's fun to think Bigfoot might exist, scientific conclusions require evidence. He suggests people might be having fun with the idea. Hartland Police Chief Robert Rosch humorously states his foot measures 15 inches. Tom Isaac, a wildlife biologist, believes Bigfoot does not exist and that reports are often mistaken sightings of known animals or the result of people's minds playing tricks. Waukesha County Sheriff's Department detective Steve Pedersen notes that Bigfoot sightings are occasionally reported, often on New Year's Eve or during parties, and are usually attributed to people who have been drinking.

Article: Electronic ESP: Science or sloppy research?

This article from the Daily Press (Tahlequah, OK, Sept. 24, 2006) discusses research by British biologist Rupert Sheldrake on telephone and email telepathy. Sheldrake claims his experiments prove precognition exists for phone calls and emails, with a success rate significantly above chance. The British Association for the Advancement of Science's decision to allow presentations on paranormal topics has divided its members, with some scientists criticizing the lack of balance and the inclusion of fringe ideas. Dr. Sharon Winn, an English professor, suggests that small sample sizes are often used to reach conclusions and that people may believe statistics even if they are spurious. Sheldrake's other research includes studies on staring detection and telepathic communication with pets.

Article: Bigfoot lives? Festival in Honobia set in Oct.

This article from the News-Capital & Democrat (McAlester, OK, Sept. 24, 2006) announces the Second Annual Bigfoot Fall Festival in Honobia, Oklahoma, on Oct. 6-8. The event aims to celebrate the creature known as Bigfoot in Oklahoma. Organizer Katie Cogburn expects over 3,500 attendees, drawn by the mystery and intrigue surrounding Bigfoot. The festival will feature first-hand accounts, photographs, hair samples, and plaster casts of footprints. Native American storyteller Tim Harjo will share lore, and attendees can get their pictures taken with Bigfoot. Cogburn notes that people are often hesitant to share their stories due to ridicule, citing a case where a man moved his family because of it. The festival also aims to promote Honobia and the Kiamichi Mountains.

Article: Has the Awful returned to Berkshire & Richford?

This article by H.P. Albarelli Jr. from the County Courier (Enosburg Falls, VT, Oct. 19, 2006) revisits the legend of "the Awful," a winged creature described as resembling a Griffin with grayish wings spanning ten feet and a serpent-like tail. The creature was reportedly sighted in Richford and Berkshire in 1925. Lovecraft investigated the phenomenon and was convinced the witnesses were not mistaken. The article recounts several sightings, including one where the creature was seen perched on a building's rooftop and another where it was seen flying over a field clutching what appeared to be an infant. Sightings dwindled and eventually stopped. Lovecraft's writings were influenced by the experience.

Article: What's so bad about big feet?

This opinion piece by Chrissie Isenberg from the Daily Democrat (Durant, OK, Oct. 1, 2006) humorously discusses the upcoming Big Foot Fall Festival in Clayton and Honobia. Isenberg speculates on Bigfoot's migratory patterns and suggests that the festival might be a "coming out party" for the creature. She questions whether Bigfoot, like Elvis, might be tired of being photographed and aims to make his existence known. Isenberg also suggests that the towns might be capitalizing on a phenomenon that is more prevalent in southeastern regions.

Article: Bolinas woodworker summons the sea serpent

This article from the Point Reyes Light (Point Reyes Station, CA, Aug. 31, 2006) by Sam Spiewak recounts Tom D'Onofrio's alleged sighting of a 40-foot sea serpent off the coast of Bolinas on August 30, 1976. D'Onofrio, a Methodist minister and woodcarver, was struggling with a commission when he felt compelled to go to the beach. There, he and his friend Dick Borgstrom witnessed the creature. D'Onofrio later finished the table, incorporating the experience. The article also mentions a 1983 sighting by a work crew repairing Highway 1. D'Onofrio claims to have seen the serpent three times. The article describes a 30-year anniversary celebration organized by D'Onofrio to summon the serpent, which involved friends dancing in Native American-inspired garb and a boat with a carved serpent prow. Media coverage was present, including Pete Wilson, a local news anchor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, Bigfoot phenomena, and other unexplained mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of skepticism, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific or rational explanations. While acknowledging the public's fascination and the existence of numerous reports, the articles often include perspectives that question the validity of sightings or offer alternative explanations, such as natural phenomena, hoaxes, or psychological factors. The inclusion of translations from other countries broadens the scope of reported sightings, suggesting a global interest in these topics. The articles also touch upon the challenges faced by researchers and believers in gaining acceptance within the scientific community.