UFO Newsclipping Service - 2008 01 - no 462

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 2008, number 462, focuses heavily on the wave of UFO sightings and subsequent publicity surrounding Stephenville, Texas. The cover story highlights how the town became a focal point for media and investigators following numerous reports of strange aerial phenomena.

Stephenville Rides Wave of Publicity After UFOs

The main article details the events in Stephenville, Texas, in January 2008, where dozens of residents reported seeing a "strobe light-flashing object" in the night sky. This led to intense media attention, with the town being dubbed the 'UFO Capital of the World.' The article quotes Ken Cherry, Texas director of MUFON, who suggests Stephenville could become a 'mini-Roswell.' It also features interviews with local reporter Angela Joiner, who was overwhelmed with calls, and Constable LeeRoy Gaitan, who corroborated seeing a "spooky" red glow in the sky. UFO researcher Dennis Balthaser describes typical 'humanoid' alien characteristics, noting they are often 'gray, not green.' The article includes a map of the Stephenville area and mentions merchandise like T-shirts produced by a local high school science club.

UFOs Over Texas: Stephenville Residents Report Sightings

A notice on the cover indicates an in-depth news report on the Stephenville sightings would be in the next issue.

San Antonio Express-News Article

An article from the San Antonio Express-News, dated January 19, 2008, by Lisa Sandberg, further explores the Stephenville sightings. It reiterates that while aliens haven't invaded, the town is experiencing a publicity surge. It quotes Dennis Balthaser on the appearance of aliens and Ken Cherry of MUFON on the responsible people reporting sightings. Reporter Angela Joiner shares her experience of being swamped with calls. Constable LeeRoy Gaitan recounts seeing a red glow that reappeared. The article includes a photo of Ricky Sorrells discussing a sighting in Dublin, near Stephenville, and Steve Allen pointing out a spot in the sky where he saw a mile-long, half-mile-wide object. A quote from Ken Cherry states, 'Dozens of people are coming forward, responsible people, saying they saw something.' The article also mentions that military officials denied having aircraft in the area and that MUFON investigators were heading to Stephenville. It touches on the size of potential 'mother ships' and the T-shirts sold by the high school science club.

Stephenville Empire-Tribune Articles

Two articles from the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, dated January 10 and January 11, 2008, by Angelia Joiner, detail more sightings and witness accounts. The January 10th article, 'Possible UFO sighting,' focuses on four area residents witnessing a mysterious object and lights in the Selden sky. Steve Allen, a pilot, described a silent object with lights spanning a mile long and half a mile wide, moving at an estimated 3,000 miles per hour. He also reported seeing two military jets possibly pursuing the object. Mike Odom described the experience as 'unexplainable' and 'moving way too fast.' Lance Jones found it 'neat' but not scary, assuming it was military. Claudette, Odom's wife, a former flight attendant, also described the lights and speed. The January 11th article, 'Mysterious sightings keep locals guessing,' compiles more accounts. David Jaquess described 'unidentified flying lights' that were unusually bright. Constable Lee Roy Gaitan recounted seeing red and then white flashing lights. Anne Frazor described bright lights that scared her, thinking two planes might collide. James Hughes, a former Air Force navigational specialist, saw 'gold lights' that moved very fast and silently.

Seguin Gazette-Enterprise Article

An article from the Seguin Gazette-Enterprise, dated January 15, 2008, titled 'Small Texas town abuzz over reported UFO sightings,' by Angelia K. Brown (Associated Press Writer), covers the Stephenville events. It mentions sightings by a pilot, constable, and business owners, describing a large silent object with bright lights. Machinist Ricky Sorrells shared his experience of seeing a flat, metallic object. The article notes that federal officials suggest logical explanations, but locals insist the objects were larger, quieter, faster, and lower than airplanes. It mentions that the Air Force no longer investigates UFOs and that MUFON plans to investigate. The article references historical UFO cases, including the 1897 Aurora crash and the 1947 Roswell incident, and notes that 14% of Americans polled have seen a UFO. It also mentions sightings over Phoenix and Las Vegas, and the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book.

Foreign News Section

This section compiles reports from various UK and Canadian newspapers:

• Kettering Evening Telegraph (January 2, 2008): 'Amazing UFO footage' by Nick Tite, Assistant Editor. Features Krzysztof Dreczkowski, a UFO enthusiast from Poland, who filmed a UFO over Westminster Abbey and previously spotted objects over Corby and Lincolnshire. He is part of a UFO organization in Poland.
• The Sun (January 1, 2008): 'Oooh arrrr not alone anymore' by John Coles. Features a photo hailed as one of the best UFO pictures ever taken in Britain, showing a classic flying saucer shape over Cornwall. Kelvin Barbery captured the image, initially thinking it was a tanker. UFO expert Nick Pope commented on the structured, symmetrical, and metallic appearance of the object. Michael Soper of Contact International agreed it appeared genuine.
• Express & Star (January 3, 2008): 'Mystery 'arrowhead' UFO spotted' by an unnamed author. Reports a mysterious 'flying Dorito-shaped' object with three orange lights in an isosceles triangle formation seen above Lower Gornal. Similar sightings were reported in Wednesfield, Dudley, and Stourbridge. Peter Wasdell described the object. The article notes the object's shape resembles that of a new Eurofighter jet, which had recently experienced a malfunction causing a sonic boom.
• Express & Star (January 16, 2008): 'Is there plane truth behind the UFOs?' by an unnamed author. Discusses mysterious triangular objects with orange lights seen across the Black Country. It links these sightings to a sonic boom caused by a malfunctioning Typhoon Eurofighter jet, noting the plane's triangular shape and lights could be mistaken for a UFO. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) stated they investigate UFO sightings only for airspace integrity issues.
• The Ottawa Citizen (January 4, 2008): ''Definitely unidentified'' by Charles Mandel. Reports a video of an object trailing a dark spiralling plume over the Northumberland Strait, Prince Edward Island. Tony Quigley and Marie Ford-Quigley captured the event. Experts from Environment Canada and the Transportation Safety Board could not explain it. The couple sent the video to Ufology Research of Manitoba. Gertrude Campbell, a neighbor, believes in UFOs. UFO researcher Don Ledger suggests it could be space junk from a NASA rocket.
• Evening Leader (Chester, UK):
• January 4, 2008: 'More people report seeing 'UFOs' flying over county' by Kate Forrester. Details sightings of five orange-red orbs on Christmas Day in Flintshire, described as fast-moving and silent. Harry Hughes reported seeing five orbs. Leigh and Lynn Williams of Wrexham reported similar orange orbs in July. Mike Jones and John Smith of Sychdyn reported two orange lights on New Year's Day. Jenny May reported seeing four bright orange lights in July and three more later. Jed Price reported four lights in a line on New Year's Eve. Explanations offered include 'UFO balloons' and Chinese lanterns.
• January 7, 2008: 'Residents line up to confirm UFO sightings' by Petra Barnby. Features more accounts of orange lights seen on Christmas Day. David Clark confirmed Harry Hughes' sighting. Mrs. Coulton described perplexing orange lights. Marie Davies saw a red light over the Dee Estuary. Demi-Lee, an eight-year-old, took photos of unexplained objects above Mold.
• January 8, 2008: 'UFO mystery deepens as sightings increase' by an unnamed author. Continues reporting on numerous UFO activities. User rduke222 from San Diego described four orange glowing objects on New Year's Eve, suggesting they were 'Black Project' aircraft. Waylon from California described a glowing orange object that slowed, hovered, and appeared to have burning debris. John Smith and Mike Jones reported two orange lights on New Year's Day. Marie Davies reported a red light on Christmas Day. Another resident described a strange light that moved backward and faded. Jenny May reported seeing orange lights in July and later. Jed Price reported four lights in a line on New Year's Eve. The article notes that most recent sightings are in the Mold and Sychdyn area and across Chester.
• January 10, 2008: 'More mystery sightings after Christmas Day UFO report' by Kate Forrester. Reports continued UFO sightings. James Holmes described strange white lights spiralling. Gerard Coughlan recalled seeing several disc-shaped objects 15 years prior. He described them as perfectly round, pale grey, and changing positions rapidly.
• January 11, 2008: 'Are these lights a UFO?' by Kate Forrester. Nina Griffiths reported her daughter Demi-Lee saw strange orange lights. David Allman and friends saw 'little fiery balls' in the sky. Steve and Anna Jones saw four orange lights on New Year's Eve. Paula Norgrove saw three gold lights on New Year's Eve and another later.

The Seattle Times Articles

• January 3, 2008: 'A surprise in the sky' by Michael M. Phillips (The Wall Street Journal). Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich acknowledged seeing a UFO in 1982 while visiting Shirley MacLaine's home. The article details the experience from the perspective of Paul Costanzo and his former girlfriend, who were present. They described three charcoal-gray, triangular craft with lights. Kucinich reportedly found the experience 'beautiful, serene, and it moved him.' MacLaine stated Kucinich promised to find his notes on the event.
• January 3, 2008: 'CLOSE ENCOUNTER' by Michael M. Phillips. This article expands on Kucinich's 1982 UFO sighting. It details the event at Shirley MacLaine's estate in Graham, Pierce County, where Kucinich, Costanzo, and Costanzo's girlfriend witnessed the craft. Costanzo described the craft as roughly the size of a large van, emitting a quiet, throbbing sound. MacLaine described Kucinich's reaction as not being afraid but sensing 'greater technology and intelligence.' The article notes Kucinich has been reluctant to discuss the event publicly since.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the difficulty in identifying their origin (whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial), and the public's fascination with the unexplained. Several articles highlight the contrast between official explanations (military aircraft, weather phenomena) and witness testimonies, which often describe objects exhibiting capabilities beyond known technology. The role of organizations like MUFON in investigating and documenting these events is emphasized. There's a sense that public awareness and willingness to take UFOs seriously are growing, as evidenced by political figures addressing the topic and the extensive media coverage of events like the Stephenville sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding the nature of the phenomena, while acknowledging the persistent mystery.

This issue of the Express & Star, dated November 30, 2007, features a prominent cover story about a 'Dorito UFO' sighted in the skies over the Black Country. The newspaper also includes related articles and reader responses regarding UFO sightings from December 2007 and January 2008, alongside reports from other regional publications covering similar phenomena.

'Dorito UFO' Seen in Skies

The main cover story, dated November 30, 2007, reports on a UFO described as a huge "Dorito" crisp, seen over the skies of the Black Country. UFO Research Midlands (UFORM), a Stourbridge-based group, received numerous calls from witnesses who spotted the object in Halesowen heading towards Stourbridge around 7 pm on Wednesday. UFORM chairman Steve Poole stated that one man filmed over 30 seconds of footage of the craft, which had distinctive red lights on its underside. Another witness saw it through binoculars moving "very quickly" across the skyline. UFORM, established in 1995, appeals for anyone else who saw the object to contact them, offering anonymity. The group holds monthly meetings and hosts sky-watches.

UFO Fan Tells of Dorito Sighting

An article by Richard Williams, dated December 3, 2007, features Craig Lowe, a car dealer from Quinton, who claims to have filmed a "Dorito shape" UFO over the Black Country. Lowe, a paranormal enthusiast, filmed what he described as a triangular-shaped UFO. He reported seeing three red lights in the sky and an object about three times the size of a football pitch. He rushed to get his video camera, noting the object "blacked out the stars" and was about 35,000ft high. The footage is described as inconclusive due to filming a black object against a black sky. Lowe has been interested in the paranormal for 11 years and had experienced two other sightings since July.

Readers Call in on Dorito UFO

This article, dated December 1, 2007, details how readers responded to the newspaper's appeal for information about the "Dorito" UFO. Scores of people reported seeing the orange triangle with three lights over Wednesfield and Dudley. Calls were also made to UFORM. Katherine Hemmings, aged 13, described seeing the object over Wednesfield High School. Pat Scotford and her husband Mick saw three orange lights in the sky around 7:30 pm in Wollaston, initially thinking they were planes but noting the lights were too close together. Steve Poole of UFORM confirmed that one man filmed over 30 seconds of footage. Driver Lisa Timmins saw the object between 6:15 pm and 6:40 pm in Bushbury, describing it as "quite big."

Shape of Things to Come?

Published on January 11, 2008, this article focuses on two young girls, Chelsea and Casey Bridges, who drew sketches of a UFO after spotting it over Dudley Castle. Their grandmother, Mrs. Marie Bridges, reported the girls were frightened and said the object looked like a diamond shape with lights. The sighting is noted as the third time the object had been seen in the Black Country in a month, following sightings in Halesowen and Lower Gornal. People in Wallows Wood described a similar object as an "arrowhead" with three orange lights. The Express & Star received many messages speculating about the object's identity.

Why is Sunderland a UFO hotspot?

This article from The Shields Gazette (January 9, 2008) by Mike Hallowell discusses a recent flurry of UFO sightings over Sunderland. It explores the concept of alien visitors, the vast distances involved, and the possibility of 'worm holes'. The author suggests UFOs might have origins closer to home, perhaps from subterranean civilizations or advanced terrestrial technologies. The article questions why aliens haven't made formal contact, humorously suggesting it might be due to human behavior.

UFO CASEBOOK

From the South Wales Echo (December 29, 2007), this section by Laura Wright lists several UFO sightings reported in South Wales to the Ministry of Defence and UFO websites. Incidents include a bright light over Lisvane, Cardiff; a UFO over St Mellons, Cardiff, that moved erratically; a silent orange globe over Wildmill, Bridgend; dancing lights over Cardiff; a cigar-shaped object over Garth Mountain; a blue object that segmented over Cardiff; and multiple sightings in Cardiff and Pontyclun. It also mentions drivers stopping to observe a large, silent object west of Cardiff, and a flash of light turning into a grey object over Cardiff Bay. The article notes that the Ministry of Defence has investigated 13 reports in South Wales over three years.

Evening Telegraph opens the X Files

Published on December 12, 2007, this article from the Kettering Evening Telegraph reports on an appeal to readers to identify a mystery object photographed by Krzysztof Dreczkowski of Corby. Krzysztof is part of a UFO organization in Poland. The article encourages readers to register on the newspaper's website with any ideas.

More reaction to UFO spotted in Hastings

This piece from the Sussex Express (January 16, 2008) by Angela Gallen details further reactions to a UFO sighting. Mason Woodhams described a "green fireball track across the sky" that lasted briefly. Mr. Fairhall also reported seeing a bright green light that moved slowly, suggesting it might be something burning up in the atmosphere rather than a UFO.

UFO spotted 'zooming over downs'

From The Argus (January 3, 2008), this article by Michelle Huggett describes seeing a UFO "zooming over downs" near Lancing, Sussex. Huggett described a red and orange object behaving unlike any conventional aircraft, moving very fast but stopping suddenly with no noise. She believes it might be the same UFO spotted in Cornwall. The article notes that in 2007, the Ministry of Defence revealed 52 UFO reports were made in Sussex between 1998 and 2006.

UFO report – RAF did send fighters up

This article from the Worthing Herald (November 21, 2007) features Leo Lindsay, who reported seeing two "round football-shaped objects" that later became "multi-faceted diamond shaped discs" over Felpham. Lindsay claims to have received unofficial confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that two RAF planes were sent to investigate. He estimates the objects were each about the size of a house.

New Cornish UFO sighting pic

Published in The Sun (January 4, 2008), this article highlights a photograph of a UFO over Cornwall, described as one of the best ever taken. Kelvin Barbery captured the image of a classic flying saucer shape above two ships near Falmouth. Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO analyst, commented that the photo was one of the best he had seen, noting the object appeared structured, symmetrical, and metallic. Michael Soper of Contact International UFO group agreed the image appeared genuine.

UFO sighting over Bolton?

From The Bolton News (December 11, 2007), this article reports that the Bolton UFO Society is investigating a possible sighting of an unidentified flying object above the town. A caller reported seeing a strange object around 8 pm the previous Wednesday. The society's chairman, Phil Catterall, noted the caller was convinced it was a UFO and was disturbed by it. Similar sightings have been reported in Birmingham and Bristol.

Did a UFO really crash land near Wrexham?

This Flintshire Standard article (October 24, 2007) by Russell Kellet explores UFO sightings in North East Wales, focusing on an alleged incident on Llandegla Moors on February 7, 1974, shortly after the 'Berwyn Mountains Incident'. Kellet is seeking information about a UFO that was reportedly engaged and destroyed by another aircraft. He also mentions a military blockade on the Horseshoe Pass in December 2000. The article also briefly touches on other regional UFO sightings, including one near Borras filmed by Leigh Williams and Lynn Jones, and unexplained lights seen by a patrol officer.

Mystery over UFO sighting

Published in the Flintshire Standard (December 31, 2007), this article features Harry Hughes, who reported seeing five unexplained, bright orangey-red fireballs flying through the sky on Christmas Day. The objects were described as revolving, travelling fast, and completely silent. Hughes' description matches that of Leigh and Lynn Williams, who reported seeing strange orange orbs in July.

These people have no doubt they saw Bigfoot

This Daily Sun article (December 31, 2007) by Gary Corsair presents accounts from individuals who claim to have seen Bigfoot. It discusses the skepticism surrounding such claims, attributing many to misidentification of bears or other animals, or deliberate hoaxes. However, it highlights two seemingly sincere accounts: Martha Calloway, who saw a creature crouched by the side of a road in South Carolina in 1977, and Pat Rance, who found numerous footprints and evidence of a large creature in Florida's Green Swamp in 2006. The article also touches on the search for the "Florida Skunk Ape."

Shennongjia 'wild men' leave footprints

This China.org.cn article (November 27, 2007) reports on an investigation into the Shennongjia "wild men" in China. An investigative team identified two footprints along the Licha River, with the larger one measuring 30 cm long. They also found broken branches and other footprints. Witnesses described two skinny, black-haired figures, approximately 1.7 meters and 1.3-1.4 meters tall. The investigation concluded it was a real-life sighting of upright, human-shaped creatures.

Sasquatch sighting on Lake Chelan near Lucerne

Reported in the Wenatchee World (November 5, 2007), this article details Brent McCay's sighting of a dark-furred, bipedal animal resembling an orangutan on the shores of Lake Chelan. McCay took three wide-shot pictures of the figure. Sasquatch experts consider the sighting potentially real, though one investigator described the photos as "blobsquatch."

Man blames car wreck on prehistoric winged reptile

This Everett Herald article (December 29, 2007) reports on a 29-year-old man who told police a pterodactyl caused him to drive his car into a light pole. Wenatchee police cited him for negligent driving, noting a minimal amount of alcohol. The man's sole explanation for the accident was "pterodactyl."

Strange storms: Frogs, spiders, and fish

An article from The Epoch Times (December 20th-26th 2007 edition) discusses historical accounts of animal rains, such as frogs, spiders, and fish falling from the sky. It references a 1999 movie "Magnolia" and biblical passages. The article highlights a documented instance of spiders falling in Argentina in 2007, captured on film by Christian Oneto Gaona. It also mentions frog rains in Kansas City (1873), Minneapolis (1901), and Serbia (2005), and fish rains in India, Australia, and Honduras. Scientific explanations involving storms are discussed, but the article concludes that Mother Nature still holds mysteries regarding these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and encounters with cryptids like Bigfoot. There is a clear interest in these topics from the various regional newspapers, with many reporting on local sightings and investigations. The editorial stance varies; some publications present the information with a degree of skepticism, highlighting the need for evidence and rational explanations, while others lean towards presenting witness accounts as credible, particularly when corroborated or when official investigations are mentioned. The declassification of Ministry of Defence UFO files is a significant point of interest, suggesting a growing openness to investigating these phenomena. The articles collectively reflect a public fascination with the unknown and a desire to understand events that defy conventional explanation.