UFO Newsclipping Service - 2008 02 - no 463

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 2008, focuses heavily on the UFO sightings and subsequent events in Stephenville, Texas, during January 2008. The cover story highlights Ricky Sorrells' claims of military harassment following his report of a large daytime UFO.

UFO Witness Claims Harassment

The lead article details Ricky Sorrells' frustration and anger after witnessing a large, unidentified flying object multiple times on his property near Dublin, Texas. He estimates the object to be the length of "three or four football fields." Following his interview with the Associated Press, Sorrells claims he was contacted by a man identifying himself as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force, who allegedly threatened him and demanded he stop talking about what he saw. Sorrells also recounts an incident involving multiple helicopters flying at low altitudes over his property, disrupting his sleep and livestock. He believes these actions are intended to intimidate him into silence.

Sorrells is convinced that someone representing himself as a Lt. Colonel knows what the object is and wants an explanation. The caller, who claimed to be with the Air Force, initially asked to talk but became "really arrogant" when Sorrells expressed hesitation. The caller then made a veiled threat, stating, "Son, we have the same caliber weapons as you do but a lot more of them." Sorrells suspects this individual was in his area but unable to pinpoint his new home. The helicopters stopped flying over his property after this conversation, but F-16s continued. Sorrells also describes a late-night experience with a large transport helicopter and three smaller ones, where he could see the pilot's reaction to his spotlight.

An acquaintance, formerly in the military, advised Sorrells to "shut your mouth about what you saw." Sorrells believes the military's involvement is confirmed by the cessation of helicopter activity after his conversation with the suspected officer. He asserts that if these are military craft, the American people need to know.

More Twists in the Sorrells' Saga

This article continues the narrative of Ricky Sorrells, who is seeking answers regarding his UFO sightings and the subsequent alleged harassment. He expresses disbelief that he would ever be discussing UFOs, but now feels compelled to find out what he saw. Sorrells notes the support he has received from family and friends. He believes the government should be more transparent.

Following his Associated Press interview, Sorrells was contacted by Linda Moulton Howe, an investigative reporter and author. Howe visited Sorrells and conducted an investigation, promising not to talk to anyone else until she could complete her work. Sorrells felt he had honored his commitment to her and could now speak freely.

Sorrells also recounts an incident where he saw someone trespassing on his property at 1 a.m. The individual was dressed in a heavy coat and appeared to be in his late 20s or early 30s. Sorrells realized the trespasser wanted to be seen. The man walked into the woods, using a cleared path, suggesting he was familiar with the area. Shortly after, Sorrells found a shiny new 25-06 Remington bullet near where the trespasser had been. He suspects this was a message from the military, indicating they could reach him if they wanted to. A local gun and ammunition authority could not identify the bullet as military-grade.

Sorrells and other witnesses are considering creating a website to encourage government participation in investigating UFO sightings.

'Funny lightning' leads to video

This article focuses on David Caron, who captured video footage of an unidentified object after his seven-year-old grandson, Jeremiah, alerted him to "funny lightning in the sky" on January 18, 2008. Caron initially dismissed it but later saw something that "wasn't a star" and retrieved his camcorder. The video, shot with a JVC 32X Optical Hyper Zoom camera, has been shown on local news channels.

Caron described the object as appearing to have a "hamburger shape" when slowed down on his DVD player. Eric Hunsucker, who was with Caron, stated he didn't believe in UFOs before this experience. Both Caron and Hunsucker believe the object was "from another world" and that "our technology could not create something like that." They noted the object appeared to be "bending light and jumping around moving very fast."

Steve Allen assisted Caron with copyrighting the video. Caron, who is unemployed, hopes to sell the film to help with living expenses. Steve Hudgeons, a senior field investigator for MUFON, examined the 14-minute video and deemed it "authentic," though he is not a video analyst. He noted that a photo of a similar object taken near Glen Rose also adds authenticity.

The article includes a map of the Stephenville area and surrounding locations. It also provides contact information for David Caron and staff writer Angelia Joiner.

Brazilian news crew investigates sightings

This article reports on the international attention Stephenville is receiving due to UFO sightings. A Brazilian news crew from RECORD TV-EUA visited to investigate the events, with a Japanese crew expected as well. James Fox, a documentary film producer, is encouraging people to write to their congressmen about UFOs, noting that the last congressional hearings on UFOs were in the late 1960s.

Steve Allen continues to receive calls and photos related to the sightings. He is investigating a tip about activity at a former military installation base between Walnut Springs and Meridian, which he suspects may have reopened. Allen is also told that Japan is working to build a consortium of countries to compare notes on UFOs.

Andre Tal, the Brazilian correspondent, described a UFO sighting in Rio Landia, Brazil, involving a large object with dim yellow-orange lights that hovered over a sugar cane field. This sighting was reportedly witnessed by many people and caused the sugar cane to be flattened. Tal mentioned that his countrymen are skeptical, but the event is widely discussed in Brazil. He provided a website for viewing the broadcast.

Japan interested in UFO sighting

This article highlights the international interest in the Stephenville UFO sightings, particularly from Japan. Steve Allen, a key witness, is described as haggard due to the constant media attention. He is still seeking video or photos of the object he saw on January 8, 2008. Allen has received about ten videos, but only two are considered significant.

He mentions that a video aired by Channel 11 News is a "snippet" of a 14-minute film he possesses, which shows "changing shapes." Allen is receiving calls and emails globally and is struggling to run his businesses due to the international interest. He wants to understand where the object came from and what the government knows.

Allen reports that Tokyo is very interested in interviewing witnesses and potentially purchasing the video. He quotes a Japanese news source stating that countries are trying to form a consortium to document UFOs and paranormal activities. Allen urges President Bush to disclose information about UFOs.

Pilots dispute military statement

This article presents a contradiction between witness accounts and the military's official statements regarding the January 8 UFO sightings. At least three pilots in Stephenville disagree with a press release issued by Major Karl Lewis of the 301st Fighter Wing. Steve Allen, Don "Doc" Stewart, and Todd Downs all state that the designated training area (Brownwood Military Operating Area) does not include the airspace where they observed the object.

They argue that the military's statement that the jets were in the MOA is misleading, as Stephenville and the Selden area are not within it. Downs, who works at Clark Field, notes that while jets fly through the area to reach the MOA, the press release implies the entire Erath County airspace was involved. He questions why the military would issue a release two weeks after denying any planes were present, especially since the jets are loud and easily detectable.

Ken Cherry, state director of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), believes the military "came clean" due to potential Freedom of Information Act requests and that this proves witnesses are more reliable. Leroy Gaitan, another witness, insists that what he saw could not have been F-16s due to their maneuverability, suggesting it was a "military project or experiment."

James Fox, a documentary filmmaker, confirmed that he spoke to a man in Stephenville who claimed to be harassed by the military, corroborating Gaitan's statement. MUFON is analyzing numerous videos and photos, with Cherry stating that most are lens flares or odd cloud formations, but the video in Allen's possession is "interesting and merits further analysis."

Military mistake?

This article reports that the U.S. military has admitted that ten F-16 fighter jets were in the Stephenville area on January 8, 2008, the night of the reported UFO sightings. Major Karl Lewis of the 301st Fighter Wing issued a press release admitting an "internal communications error" led to the initial denial. Lewis stated the release was made "in the interest of public awareness."

The press release specified that the F-16s were performing training operations from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Brownwood Military Operating Area (MOA), which includes the airspace above Erath County. When asked about the jets' activities, Lewis stated, "We're a nation at war" and declined to speculate. Steve Allen questions why the jets were over Selden if they were supposed to be in the MOA, as Selden and Stephenville are not within that designated area.

Allen, a pilot, emphasizes that pilots are required to update their aeronautical sectional maps regularly and believes the military should be held accountable for their actions. He notes that witnesses had reported F-16s in the area, but were not believed until the military's admission.

Group takes statements about UFO sightings

Interviewers from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) met with approximately 200 people in Dublin, Texas, who reported seeing something mysterious in the skies over Stephenville in late December and early January. Kenneth Cherry, director of MUFON's Texas chapter, noted a pattern and stated that it would take months to investigate. MUFON is dedicated to the "scientific study of UFOs for the benefit of humanity."

Witnesses described seeing a large, silent object with bright lights flying low and fast, with some reporting fighter jets chasing it. Maj. Karl Lewis of the 301st Fighter Wing stated that no aircraft from his base were in the area, but later admitted to the F-16 training mission. Cherry believes the military's admission confirms the reliability of their witnesses. Leroy Gaitan stated that the objects he saw could not have been F-16s, suggesting a "military project or experiment."

James Fox, a documentary filmmaker, corroborated claims of military harassment. MUFON investigators are analyzing videos and photos, with Cherry stating that most are lens flares or odd cloud formations, but the video captured by David Caron is considered "interesting and merits further analysis."

Woman Believes Blimp Source Of UFO Sightings

This short article presents an alternative explanation for some UFO sightings. Cherika Johnson of Longview, East Texas, believes that pictures she took of a blimp flying over Louisiana were mistaken for UFOs. She suggests that the blimp's shape and similarities might lead people to misidentify it.

Media swarms Dublin

This article describes the media frenzy in Dublin, Texas, during a MUFON meeting on January 19, 2008. Streets were filled with vehicles, spectators, and camera crews. MUFON Senior Field Investigator Steve Hudgeons brought 50 witness report forms and seven field investigators, but the turnout overwhelmed their capacity. Ken Cherry noted that the publicity is bringing forward more people who have seen something significant.

Hudgeons stated that while many witnesses claimed to have photos and video, he had not yet seen any that he believed were actual unidentified flying objects, citing poor quality and lens flares. He mentioned that some witnesses reported seeing the phenomenon 40 years prior. MUFON plans to return to the area for a more private setting for interviews.

Cherry clarified that "UFO" simply means "something not identified" and not necessarily a "spaceship from outer space." He stated that there would be no quick answers and a full report would take at least a year. Cherry noted that Texas typically has about 100 sightings a year, but the recent surge has overloaded their reporting system. He described the current situation as "amazing" and "unheard of," comparing it to the 1997 mass sighting and the Phoenix lights.

UFO witnessed in Cleburne by expert

Jason Greywolf Leigh, an expert on UFOs and a resident of Cleburne, Texas, discussed a UFO sighting on the X-Zone Radio show. Leigh witnessed the event on the evening of January 8 and had already begun documenting his account before seeing it reported in the Empire-Tribune. He stated that the object was a "large blue star that zipped off as quick as that" and was followed by two jets.

Leigh detailed his investigation, including checking flight logs and contacting the FAA, who admitted to booking a "bogey" in the area. He also documented four jets making "chem trails" and zigzagging patterns the following day. Leigh emphasizes the importance of proving what an object is not before identifying it and suggests that seeing a UFO can be a life-changing experience.

Reward offered for UFO picture

Steve Allen, a business owner from Glen Rose, Texas, is offering a $5,000 reward for authentic video or photos confirming a UFO sighting in Selden on January 8, 2008. Allen, who first reported the mysterious lights on January 9, has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including Good Morning America and various radio shows. The story has gained national attention, with CNN and the World Wide Web covering it.

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is scheduled to hold a meeting in Stephenville to conduct interviews and provide directions for those with firsthand accounts. Allen expressed desperation for visual evidence, stating, "I'm desperate for video or photographs."

All eyes on the skies

This article announces that the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) has scheduled a meeting in Stephenville for January 19, 2008, due to the increased number of UFO sightings and reports of increased military air traffic. MUFON Texas Senior Field Investigator Steve Hudgeons stated that investigators from Waco, Fort Worth, and Dallas would be present to interview witnesses. MUFON is particularly interested in Steve Allen's firsthand account of bright lights and military jets over Selden.

Hudgeons noted the unusually high number of witnesses and the credibility of their reports as reasons for MUFON's involvement. MUFON, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs. Allen has received numerous calls and emails from witnesses, including accounts of similar sightings from 1967. A Hillsboro resident is offering a substantial reward for authentic local pictures or videos. Hudgeons advises witnesses to wait until he can view any material before handing it over, warning that government entities might pose as MUFON representatives.

It's the Big Country's UFO story that keeps going and going and

This article reports on the continued international media interest in the Stephenville UFO sightings. Rumors suggest that media companies from Brazil and Japan are coming to the area. The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce has received numerous inquiries and even a request from a travel agency interested in organizing UFO tours. Local businesses are using the sightings for marketing, with signs welcoming UFOs and offering "UFO parking." T-shirts commemorating the sightings have also been produced and are selling well.

Secret technology might account for UFO sightings

This article presents a skeptical perspective on the Stephenville UFO sightings, suggesting that secret military technology, rather than extraterrestrial visitors, might be responsible. Michael Shermer, editor of Skeptic magazine, and other experts propose that the government could be using disinformation campaigns to cover up the truth. They suggest that experimental jets or technologies unknown to the public could be involved.

The article mentions that the Air Force might be testing new technologies like the U-2 spy plane or B-2 stealth bomber. It also references Area 51 and its role in modern mythology. The possibility that UFO sightings were used to divert attention from secret aircraft testing in the past is raised. The article concludes by noting that while the military initially denied having planes in the area, they later admitted to F-16 training missions, which some interpret as a sign of their involvement.

Military disputes UFO claims; folks beg to differ

This article details the conflicting accounts surrounding the Stephenville UFO sightings. While the military initially denied having planes in the area on January 8, they later admitted that ten F-16 fighter jets were conducting training operations. Residents, including pilots, dispute the military's explanation, arguing that the jets' reported behavior and location do not align with their claims. Kenneth Cherry of MUFON finds the military's delayed admission curious and believes it indicates public pressure.

Witnesses like Steve Allen and Anne Frazor insist that what they saw was not a civilian aircraft and was significantly different from typical military activity. The article notes the town's playful response to the publicity, with businesses displaying "Aliens welcome" messages. Cherry emphasizes the desire for the government to admit what it knows about UFOs.

Air Force flip-flops fueled UFO mystery

This article criticizes the Air Force's changing statements regarding the Stephenville UFO sightings. The author suggests that the military's initial denial and subsequent admission of F-16 training flights created confusion and fueled conspiracy theories. The article questions the military's transparency and suggests that a straightforward approach would have been better.

In Japan, UFO debate invades politicians' space

This article reports on a debate in Japan regarding UFOs. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda took a guarded stance, stating he had yet to confirm the existence of UFOs, while Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba suggested that the military could be dispatched if "Godzilla were to show up." The debate began when an opposition lawmaker demanded the government confirm the existence of UFOs. The article highlights the international nature of the UFO phenomenon and the varying governmental responses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged military harassment and cover-ups, witness testimony, media coverage, and the ongoing investigation by organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one that acknowledges the significance of the events and the credibility of the witnesses, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and highlighting the lack of transparency from official sources. The publication seems to favor reporting on the phenomenon and encouraging further investigation and disclosure.

This issue of KCBD-TV News Channel 11, dated January 17, 2008, focuses on UFO sightings reported in Texas, particularly in Lubbock and Stephenville. The main cover story, "Some Lubbock Residents Spot A UFO Traveling Across Texas," details recent sightings and includes witness accounts and initial analysis.

UFO Sightings in Texas

The lead article reports on multiple UFO sightings near Stephenville, Texas, with some lights now appearing over Lubbock. NewsChannel 11 received calls and emails after showing a home video of four orange lights in a straight line, seen south of Fort Worth. This sighting occurred a week after residents in Stephenville claimed to have seen a UFO. Brian Callahan, a Texas Tech student, described a brilliant white light moving at an incredible speed, northeast of his house in Lubbock. Another Stephenville resident reported seeing bright, glowing lights that faded and moved faster than a jet.

Ron Wilhelm and Lee Powell from Texas Tech's Physics Department offered a reality check, suggesting the lights could be stars, satellites rotating and flashing, or fireballs (glowing meteors). Wilhelm noted the high probability of life elsewhere in the universe but considered the probability of life visiting Earth much lower.

Texas investigators from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) planned to investigate the Stephenville sightings, with Callahan intending to join them. The article also references the 1951 "Lubbock Lights" incident, a sighting of triangle-shaped lights.

Pilot's Explanation for Stephenville Sightings

A separate article from nbc5.com (January 16, 2008) reports that Chuck Mueller, a Fort Worth medical helicopter pilot, believes he can explain the Stephenville UFO sightings. Mueller, a former Army pilot, stated that while flying a medical helicopter, he saw unusual lights on the horizon near Granbury. He described seeing orange lights appear sequentially across the sky. Mueller suggested these were likely airplane flares. Stephenville is located near the Brownwood Military Operations Area, a training zone for fighter jets. However, some witnesses, like Erath County Constable Lee Roy Gaitan, found this explanation insufficient, questioning the lights' speed and configuration. An Air Force spokesman at Fort Worth's Joint Reserve Base stated that no military planes were in the area on the night of the Stephenville sightings.

UFO Reports and Public Reaction

Several newspaper clippings detail the widespread attention given to the Stephenville UFO reports. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette (January 20, 2008) notes that reports of a "strange, silent object" over Stephenville have filled newscasts and newspapers globally, becoming a catalyst for debates and jokes. Kenneth Cherry, president of the Texas chapter of MUFON, noted the international profile of the sightings and mentioned calls from Japanese and British newspapers. The article highlights the public's varied reactions, from tinfoil helmets and alien masks to jokes about aliens visiting for "milk." Dennis Balthaser, a UFO researcher, expressed frustration with the media's perceived lack of seriousness in investigating the phenomenon.

The Abilene Reporter-News (January 20, 2008) covers a MUFON meeting in Dublin, Texas, where over 200 people, including witnesses and media, gathered. Ken Cherry stated that the number of reports since January 8 was "amazing," with all witnesses describing a large object with flashing lights. He dismissed the Air Force's explanation of commercial jets. MUFON investigators are working to eliminate possibilities, noting that while photographs help, they are not always available. Due to the number of witnesses, a final report is expected to take at least a year.

Historical UFO Incidents

The Brownwood Bulletin (January 18, 2008) reports on six MUFON investigators meeting with witnesses in Dublin. Ken Cherry mentioned receiving at least 50 phone calls since January 8, noting the exceptional credibility of the witnesses. A documentary crew from the History Channel was filming the events. The article also mentions MUFON's history and publications.

The Waco Tribune-Herald (January 15, 2008) connects the Stephenville sightings to a past Waco incident involving Jason Leigh. Letourneau University professors Fred Ritchey and Ted Forringer commented on the Stephenville sightings, suggesting that while advanced technology is a possibility, the laws of physics would still apply. They noted that the speed of the objects was a key factor, and that conventional theories about propulsion might not be sufficient.

Other Paranormal Reports

Several articles touch upon other paranormal phenomena, including Bigfoot and historical aerial craft sightings.

The Arlington Times (January 23, 2008) features Kathy Firnstahl, who reported seeing an unidentified flying object near her home on New Year's Eve. She described a partially shadowed, silvery object with a semicircle of red, green, and yellowish-white lights, hovering silently. Firnstahl's account is presented as an effort to encourage others who have seen similar things to come forward.

The Mountain Echo (January 23, 2008) reports on an "unidentified falling object" seen on Christmas Eve in the mountains between Fall River and Big Valley. Jackie Callahan described it as either a plane on fire or a meteor, while Fire Chief Chuck Bethel thought it was space debris. NASA and the U.S. Forest Service had no official reports of such an incident.

The Olympian (January 26, 2008) announces speakers at an event on Bigfoot, including Robert Gimlin, who filmed an image of Bigfoot. The Sawyer County Record (January 23, 2008) discusses a "Bigfoot" sighting on Highway 63 near Seeley, Wisconsin, where deputies found footprints and hair. The article also recounts a Wausau man's sighting of unusual legs crossing a trail.

The National Post (December 24, 2007) and the Daily News (January 23, 2008) report on Farmington, Wisconsin man Brode Powers, who found large, mysterious tracks on his property, measuring 28 inches and spaced about four feet apart. The tracks led to a 7-foot tall archway and then went around it. Powers also reported hearing a "strange howling" the same night his wife first noticed the tracks. The Sheriff's Department suggested it might be an animal, but Powers was unconvinced.

Historical Aerial Craft Reports

Two articles from the Brownsville Daily Herald (January 13, 1908, and December 2, 1907) detail sightings of "mysterious aerial craft" over Brownsville, Texas, and Mexico. The craft were described as cigar-shaped with a car attached. Speculation arose about smuggling or illegal border crossings. One report mentioned an oblong craft with a large basket dangling from it, seen steering towards the United States.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, witness testimony, the search for explanations (both conventional and unconventional), and the role of media and organizations like MUFON in investigating and publicizing these events. There's a clear emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, many of whom are described as reliable individuals (pilots, law enforcement, etc.). The articles highlight the public's fascination with the unknown and the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reporting, is generally open to presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts, while also including skeptical viewpoints and scientific analysis. The coverage spans recent events and revisits historical incidents, suggesting a sustained interest in the UFO phenomenon.