UFO Newsclipping Service - 2008 04 - no 465

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, titled Number 465 and dated April 2008, is a compilation of news clippings from various publications, focusing on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The cover story highlights Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, who operates from a decommissioned nuclear missile bunker in eastern Washington.

Cover Story: Peter Davenport and the National UFO Reporting Center

The main article, from the Los Angeles Times (March 28, 2008), introduces Peter Davenport and his unique headquarters. Davenport, who has a background in biotechnology, purchased an old nuclear missile complex for $100,000 to serve as the new headquarters for the National UFO Reporting Center. The center, in operation since 1970, receives up to 20,000 calls a year from people reporting UFO sightings. Davenport investigates compelling cases in person. The article notes the secure nature of his bunker, capable of withstanding a blast 50 times the power of the Hiroshima bomb.

Robert B. Frost, a former chief engineer for Boeing, describes Davenport as "brilliant" and believes he will "prevail" in his pursuit of understanding UFOs. The article touches upon the public's belief in UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, citing historical figures like former President Carter, Margaret Mead, Carl Jung, and Gordon Cooper who have expressed interest or belief in UFOs.

Davenport's own interest in UFOs dates back to a childhood sighting in 1954. After a successful career in biotechnology, he sold his company and dedicated himself to the UFO Reporting Center, taking over from Robert Gribble. The center's operations can cost between $500 to $5,000 a month, funded by Davenport himself.

The article details the interior of the missile complex, including the launch control room and the missile room where the Atlas missile once rested. Davenport's life's work, a collection of tens of thousands of UFO sighting reports, is meticulously filed in metal cabinets.

Davenport estimates that up to 90% of UFO sightings are explainable (weather balloons, aircraft, satellites, hoaxes), but a small percentage remain unexplained and defy explanation. He believes clues to these phenomena are buried in his extensive files and expresses a willingness to share data.

The article concludes with Davenport's reflections on the elusive nature of his work and a story about Elger Berg, a carpenter who shared his UFO sighting experience with Davenport shortly before his death.

UFO Cold Case: The Raji Photograph

A Los Angeles Times article (March 18, 2008) by John M. Glionna discusses a case involving a photographer using the online name "Raji" who posted pictures of a UFO hovering above a power pole in Capitola, California. Private investigators T.K. Davis and Frankie Dixon are hired by an anonymous woman from the "Open Minds Forum" to locate the power pole, which they believe could lead them to Raji and the owner of the property where the photos were taken.

The "California drone" is described as a quirky, small craft that no human could fit inside to fly. Other alleged eyewitnesses have posted similar pictures and videos, suggesting a wider phenomenon.

Historical UFO Sighting: La Crosse, Wisconsin

A clipping from the La Crosse Tribune (March 17, 2008) revisits a UFO sighting from April 10-11, 1897, observed across the country. Residents in La Crosse reported seeing a mysterious bright light that moved in various directions. The popular explanation at the time was an "airship" with electric lights. The article notes that while many considered the light man-made, one person theorized it was from Mars. The "light" was never fully explained, though reliable airship flights were emerging.

Victoria, Texas: Jeremy Ray's UFO Investigation

An article from The Victoria Advocate (March 1, 2008) introduces Jeremy Ray, a field investigator for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). Ray's interest in UFOs began with a sighting in Kosovo in 1999, where he witnessed four balls of red light. He had a prior sighting in his hometown of Victoria in high school. Ray, who has moved to Victoria, Texas, will now cover a large area for MUFON, noting that Texas has been a "hot spot" for sightings.

He discusses MUFON's "sky fishing" technique and emphasizes that the organization takes a serious and practical approach, not automatically assuming sightings are alien. Ray believes that evidence like video and photographs is crucial for eyewitnesses to come forward.

South Texas UFO Stories

Several local news reports from KIII-TV3 in Corpus Christi, Texas, detail UFO sightings in the South Texas region:

• March 25, 2008 (Jeremy Landers): An active duty military man captured a video of a white, glowing spot moving around on his cell phone, which he believes is a UFO. He notes similarities to sightings in Stephenville.
• March 25, 2008 (Michael Gibson): A viewer submitted video of a UFO seen on Saturday night. Other viewers reported similar sightings, including Dennis Limon of Aransas Pass who saw a large, yellow-to-orange object with fire or sparks. Federal officials at N-A-S Corpus Christi reported no unusual activity.
• March 27, 2008 (Richard Longoria): This section compiles emails from viewers. One witness, "Sxxxx" from Beeville, Texas, describes a strange sound and her dog's unusual behavior, followed by seeing a white light fall from a tree and land in the road, described as a small, lit, flashing saucer with lavender and light green glow. Another strange ball of light was seen on a neighbor's car. The witness is seeking investigation.

UFO Spotted Above Alice

A report from KIII-TV3 (April 8, 2008) by Manuel De La Rosa features a woman in Alice, Texas, who believes she saw a UFO. She captured a picture of a bright light hovering on the horizon with a reflection below it, which then disappeared. She is now a believer and wants the sighting investigated.

Tinley Park UFO: 'A Real Phenomenon'

Two articles from the SouthtownStar (March 30 and April 3, 2008) discuss the "Tinley Lights" phenomenon. Sam Maranto, State Director for the Illinois Mutual UFO Network, presented video footage of alleged UFOs sighted above Tinley Park on August 21 and October 31, 2004. Maranto, along with other researchers, dismisses explanations like road flares, balloons, or mass hallucination, stating the objects were "non-conventional."

Participant Guy Richards, with degrees in engineering and physics, expresses a desire for scientific study of UFOs. Maranto rejects the road flare theory, citing the weight and heat of flares, and the lack of smoke in the footage. He describes the objects as potentially part of a large, triangular, V-shaped craft, miles long.

The articles mention that many people who report UFOs are ordinary individuals seeking explanations and closure. The "Tinley Lights" case is expected to become legendary in the UFO community.

Kecksburg UFO Crash Landing Legend

A Pittsburgh Sunday Tribune-Review article (February 10, 2008) details how the Kecksburg fire department has capitalized on the "infamous UFO crash landing legend" from December 9, 1965. Ronnie Struble of Kecksburg presides over a growing financial enterprise selling UFO-themed merchandise. The incident involved a fiery object falling into a wooded area, with eyewitnesses reporting an acorn-shaped object being hauled away. Despite the Air Force's explanation of a meteor, many remain unconvinced.

The fire department holds UFO gatherings and sells merchandise like hoodies, ornaments, and hats. They plan to open a second store and a UFO restaurant. The town's annual festival has been renamed the "Kecksburg Old Fashion and UFO Festival Days." The department has sold between $1,500 and $2,000 of merchandise in its first four months, with 2007 sales reaching $10,000.

The article also notes a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit requiring NASA to search for documents related to the Kecksburg incident. However, some, like former fire chief Ed Myers, dismiss the story as bogus and criticize the department's fundraising efforts. Struble believes something significant crashed, possibly a U.S. or Russian probe.

UK UFO Files: 'Men In Black' Secrets

Two articles from The Scottish Sunday Post (March 2, 2008) and The Grantham Journal (March 13, 2008) discuss the release of UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) files related to UFO incidents.

• The Scottish Sunday Post reports that the MoD is to release 160 dossiers about UFO incidents over the past 30 years, including information on Scotland's UFO hotspot Bonnybridge. These files, dubbed "Men In Black" by UFO buffs, are from D155, the Defence Intelligence department. Councillor Billy Buchanan believes these files may shed light on mysterious cars and phone tapping he experienced. The MoD assures that the incidents pose no threat to national security.
• The Grantham Journal reports on a UFO sighted over Great Gonerby, England, which has also been spotted in Saskatchewan, Canada. An anonymous UFO spotter described seeing a tear-shaped, sideways craft with multi-colored lights hovering for about 10 seconds before banking and disappearing.

UK UFO Sightings: Fears of Alien Invasion

Two articles from the Wakefield Express (March 7, 2008) and Wanstead & Woodford Guardian (March 6, 2008) cover UFO sightings in the UK.

• Wakefield Express features a letter from a reader describing two UFO sightings: one in the early 1970s involving two objects moving at right angles, and a more recent sighting in 2002 with multiple flashing lights and spotlights. The reader, an aircraft maintenance engineer, initially considered them satellites but realized they behaved unlike normal aircraft or satellites.
• Wanstead & Woodford Guardian reports on a UFO sighting above Woodford Green. Two readers saw a strange object flying above the Winston Churchill statue. A Government spokeswoman urged residents not to be alarmed, suggesting possible explanations like aircraft or balloons. However, construction worker Darrell Greenway was convinced it was an alien craft and felt the government was trying to cover it up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings across different regions and time periods, the efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate these phenomena, and the often-guarded or dismissive stance of government agencies. There's a clear fascination with unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, leans towards presenting UFOs as a genuine subject worthy of investigation and public interest, while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for scientific inquiry.

This issue of the Grantham Journal, dated March 28, 2008, focuses on UFO sightings and related mysteries. The main cover story highlights "More sightings of Grantham UFO," indicating a recurring phenomenon in the Great Gonerby area that has also been observed internationally.

Articles and Reports

Grantham UFO Sighting Extends to Canada

The lead article reports on a UFO sighted over Great Gonerby repeatedly over the last four years, which has also been spotted in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Grantham Journal previously reported on five sightings by Allan Spick, who provided a drawing of the object. UFO spotter Todd Repin contacted the paper to share a sighting by his father, Mike Repin, who saw a similar object over Saskatoon in November or December 2005. Mike described the object as "almost tear-shaped but sideways," hovering about 50 feet off the ground and about a city block away. He observed it for about 10 seconds before it banked to the right and flew away. Mike speculated that slowing down might have made the object notice him, causing it to depart.

Allan Spick, also featured, has seen the UFO five times from his home in Belvoir Gardens. He described the object as having multi-coloured lights. He contacted RAF Cranwell twice about his sightings and was told they had no record of aircraft in the air at the time. Spick insists it was not an aircraft or helicopter due to its slow movement and lack of noise.

North Wales UFO Sighting

Another article from the Chester Evening Leader (March 4, 2008) reports on a North East Wales resident who claims to have seen a UFO hovering over Overton, near Wrexham, at about 6 am on a Friday. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, described the object as strange and not resembling a plane. He hopes others have seen it to corroborate his sighting. The article also mentions the "Roswell incident" allegedly occurring in the Berwyn Mountains in 1974, involving a disc-like object falling from the sky and tremors being recorded. The Ministry of Defence plans to release 160 files related to UFO sightings dating back to 1950.

'UFO' Lights Linked to Earthquake?

The Lincolnshire Echo (March 18, 2008) explores the possibility that mysterious lights seen in Lincolnshire could be a warning of an earthquake. Several sightings of strange lights were reported in the days leading up to the earthquake on February 27. The phenomenon is linked to "earthquake lights," which are theorized to be caused by changes in the ground's electrical properties. The article cites historical cases, including one in Tangshan, China, in 1976. Jamie and Emily Goddard captured a photo of lights over Lincoln on February 22. Staff from Lincoln College and a schoolteacher also reported seeing lights. Elvira Witney described seeing a grapefruit-sized glowing sphere of light in her bedroom during the earthquake. However, Dr. Ian Sutton from the University of Nottingham expressed skepticism, suggesting it was a coincidence.

Dr. Richard England, from the Department of Geology at the University of Leicester, stated that while there's little evidence, enough sightings suggest a link. He noted that while atmospheric changes might be involved, a direct connection to earthquake precursors is not yet understood.

UFOs in West Yorkshire

The Halifax Courier (March 14, 2008) reports that West Yorkshire has been ranked as the top "hot spot" in Britain for unexplained UFO sightings, with 34 reported in the region. The research, part of "The Virgin Media Files," was supported by Nick Pope, former head of the Government's UFO project. The top 10 areas for sightings are listed, with West Yorkshire leading.

Belize Sightings

Amandala News Online (Belize City, March 18, 2008) covers strange night sightings in "Pan" (Belize). Residents of Belmopan and surrounding areas reported seeing a mass of bright, circular lights over uninhabited mountains. The lights appeared and disappeared between 8:15 p.m. and 10:50 p.m. without noise. The objects were estimated to be about 150 feet off the ground and 14 feet in diameter. Cadet Henderson, chief executive officer in the Ministry of Works, reported the sightings and noted the lights moved eastward, contrary to prevailing winds. He also saw a trail of smoke associated with one light. Similar lights were seen two years prior. Commander Cedric Borland of the Belize Coast Guard confirmed observing lights, but suggested they might be flares or military activity, though Colonel Dario Tapia of the Belize Defence Force denied any military operations.

UFO Documentary for Detective

The Wakefield Express (February 22, 2008) features Det Con Gary Heseltine, a Wakefield detective who has been cataloging UFO sightings for over 30 years. He is participating in two international documentaries: one for the History Channel's "UFO Hunters" and another for "UFO Files" focusing on police officers with sightings. Heseltine created the Police Reporting UFO Sightings (PRUFOS) database in 2001.

UFOs in Thornbury and Tortworth Court?

The Gloucestershire Gazette (February 28, 2008) discusses UFO sightings in the Thornbury and Tortworth Court area. Denis Plunkett, who runs the British Flying Saucer Bureau, states that reported UFO sightings have risen, with many being slow-moving, silent, disc- or triangular-shaped craft. He believes these are primarily for surveillance. He also links the increase in sightings to the nuclear bomb explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Plunkett's father founded the British branch of the Flying Saucer Bureau in 1952. He shares photographs taken by a friend at Tortworth Court in 1993 that appear to show unidentified objects.

UFOs Over West Yorkshire

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner (March 15, 2008) reiterates that West Yorkshire is a "hotspot" for UFO sightings, with an estimated sighting every four months. Nick Pope, a former government UFO advisor, suggests people interested in alien spotting should head to Yorkshire. The article mentions a recent incident on February 17 when three orange objects were spotted in the night sky in Leeds.

Bigfoot Evidence

The Utah Statesman (March 26, 2008) features Jeff Meldrum, author of "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science," who argues that scientific evidence proves Bigfoot exists. Meldrum, from Idaho State University, presented evidence including folklore, prehistoric accounts, tribal statues, pictographs, and footprint casts. He discussed the reality of video recordings of Bigfoot, asserting that body proportions do not match a human in a costume. Meldrum's research into Bigfoot began in his youth and intensified with the emergence of Bigfoot videos and his study of science and primates.

'Lizard Man' Returns?

Several articles from WIS News 10 (Columbia, SC) detail the ongoing "Lizard Man" mystery. A Bishopville resident, Dixie Rawson, reported significant damage to her van, with bite marks and bent metal, reminiscent of the local "Lizard Man" legend. The legend dates back nearly 20 years to Scape Ore Swamp. The Rawsons also reported missing cats. Sheriff E.J. Melvin initially suggested a coyote was responsible for the van damage, but later confirmed the coyote was dead. The investigation into the "Lizard Man" continues, with a California group, "Searching for Bigfoot," led by Tom Biscardi, arriving in Bishopville to investigate the damage and collect forensic evidence, including potential DNA from swabs and blood samples. Biscardi believes the creature responsible is not the "Lizard Man" but a primate, a "swamp ape," more commonly known as Bigfoot. He plans to return with a larger team. The Canberra Times (March 25, 2008) reports on Yowie hunter Paul Compton claiming to have photographic evidence of a giant animal in the Glen Innes district of Australia, which he believes is a descendant of Gigantopithecus.

Bigfoot Sightings in West Virginia

The Register-Herald (Beckley, WV, March 16, 2008) reports on the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), which lists over 4,000 sightings in the US and Canada. The BFRO has documented over 50 sightings in West Virginia since 1975, with many in southern West Virginia. The article mentions an upcoming expedition in the Greenbrier River region. BFRO founder Mathew Moneymaker compiles a "comprehensive sightings database" and aims to use mapping to learn more about Bigfoot's behavior and locations. The article also recounts specific sightings, including a 1987 Nicholas County sighting and a summer sighting in Monroe County.

East Texans Organize For Bigfoot Search

KLTV-7 (Tyler-Longview, Texas, March 9, 2008) covers East Texans organizing an expedition to find Bigfoot. Bigfoot researcher Mike Hall is assembling a team to investigate sightings in East Texas, noting that "strange things happen." Hall claims to have seen Bigfoot himself in January 2005. The team plans to search the Neches River area where numerous sightings have occurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the search for cryptids like Bigfoot and the "Lizard Man." There is a clear editorial stance supporting the investigation of these phenomena, with multiple publications dedicating significant space to these reports and the efforts of researchers and enthusiasts. The articles often present eyewitness accounts and the work of organizations dedicated to gathering evidence, while also acknowledging skepticism from scientific authorities. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth behind these mysteries, encouraging reader participation through emails and website visits.