UFO Newsclipping Service - 2008 10 - no 471

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 2008, presents a collection of recent and historical UFO reports from various publications. The cover story, "Did close encounter light up our skies?" from the Stockport Express, details a sighting of three red lights in a triangular formation over Strines, UK. The issue also includes reports from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on UFO tracker John Ventre's claims about Pennsylvania's high number of sightings, and a report on the death of newsman Frank Joyce, who covered the Roswell Incident. Other articles cover a mysterious crop circle-like marking in Texas, historical accounts of "strange lights" and "airships" from 1908-1910 in various US and UK locations, a RAF radar chief's account of tracking a fleet of UFOs in 1971, and recent sightings over a Tesco supermarket in Croydon, UK.

Stockport Express: "Did close encounter light up our skies?"

The Stockport Express reports on a UFO sighting on Sunday night near Strines, UK, where pub-goers and residents observed three red lights in a triangular formation moving slowly across the sky. Jameson Moon, landlord of the Royal Oak, noted the object did not register on his radar. Christine Smith from Romiley also witnessed the lights hovering for about 15 minutes. Brian Vike of HBCC UFO Research suggested the lights could be Chinese lanterns, a common explanation for recent sightings. However, UFO expert Nick Pope, formerly of the British Government's UFO Project, expressed skepticism, stating that while Chinese lanterns might briefly form a triangle, holding such a pattern constantly is "inconceivable." Pope suggested the object was massive and possibly triangular-shaped, with lights at each corner. He noted that the object disappearing behind a cloud indicated it was vast. Pope's experience investigating similar triangular craft for the Ministry of Defence is mentioned.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "UFO tracker expects contact from aliens"

This article features John Ventre, Pennsylvania coordinator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), who claims Pennsylvania is leading the nation in UFO sightings during the summer of 2008, with approximately 100 sightings since June. Ventre reported seeing a fast-moving, lighted object himself on June 29. The article also mentions retired Army First Sgt. James Everett, who captured three photos of an object over his Jefferson Hills home. The report touches upon the 1965 Kecksburg incident, where locals believe a spaceship crashed, though the government explained it as a meteor. Ventre believes this incident was a precursor to future alien activity.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Newsman reported on flying saucer"

This brief report announces the death of Frank Joyce, a New Mexico newsman who was the first reporter on the scene of the Roswell Incident in 1947. Joyce worked at Roswell radio station KGFL and later reported outdoors for Albuquerque's KOB-TV. He was interviewed about the event over the years, and the military maintained that debris recovered at the site came from a weather balloon.

Hood County News: "Strange circle pops up in yard"

This article describes an unusual circular marking found in a yard in The Peninsula, northeast of Granbury, Texas. Homeowners Bruce and Lynette Peel discovered a 14-foot circle covered in a strange, oily substance. While the sheriff's department suggested it might be a fungus or explained by a sprinkler, Lynette Peel's boss researched the substance online and suggested it matched descriptions of an "alien crop circle." The article notes a recent increase in alleged UFO sightings in the Stephenville area.

The Austin Chronicle: "Unidentified Frakin' Objects"

Michael Ventura recounts personal UFO sightings from 1981, including one near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and mentions sightings by his friend Richard and his late friend Dixie. He notes the increasing media attention to UFOs, referencing a New York Times op-ed by Nick Pope, who previously investigated UFOs for the British Ministry of Defence. Pope argues that UFOs are a national security issue and that governments should not ignore them. The article also mentions that Britain and France continue to investigate UFO sightings, partly due to concerns about foreign military aircraft or intelligence gathering. It references an international panel of former pilots and officials who agree that the US should investigate UFOs, citing former Arizona Governor Fife Symington's sighting of a delta-shaped craft. Ventura speculates that the increase in UFO sightings since the advent of widespread radio transmission might be due to Earth's electronic signals attracting attention from advanced species.

Los Angeles Times: "Mysterious 'Black Mailbox' lures UFO fans to desert"

This article focuses on the "Black Mailbox" in Tikaboo Valley, Nevada, a popular spot for UFO enthusiasts near Area 51. The mailbox, actually dingy white, has become a landmark for hundreds of people who gather to photograph it and stare into the night sky. Visitors share stories of alleged encounters and conspiracies. The article mentions Lester Arnold, who claims to have seen a fireball-like object, and Steve Crosby, who hopes for a spacecraft sighting. The mailbox's owner, Steve Medlin, has added a second box for "alien-seekers." The article notes the renaming of Nevada 375 to the "Extraterrestrial Highway" and the cult-like following the mailbox acquired, with some visitors believing aliens visited on Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

From the Archives: Early 20th Century UFO Reports

This section presents historical newspaper clippings from 1908-1910 detailing reports of "mystery airships," "lights in the sky," and "balloons." Articles from the Daily News (Tacoma, WA), Morning Olympian (Olympia, WA), White River Journal (Kent, WA), The Chronicle (Centralia, WA), and The Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, WA) describe sightings of strange lights, cigar-shaped objects, and unexplained phenomena. Many reports from this era suggest the objects might be foreign (Japanese or French) airships or spies studying the coast. Some witnesses described colored lights, glowing discs, and objects moving at high altitudes. The section highlights that these early reports are considered part of "proto-UFOlogy" and equal in significance to later waves of sightings.

The Sun: "RAF RADAR CHIEF: I SAW FLEET OF UFOS"

This article reveals that a former RAF radar chief, Wing Commander Alan Turner, claims he tracked a fleet of 35 "super-fast vessels" on military radar in 1971 near RAF Sopley. He stated that the objects were equally spaced, moved at high speeds, and vanished from radar only to be replaced by identical vessels. Turner, who was awarded an MBE, said that multiple radars and operators witnessed the phenomenon. He alleges that three days later, the Ministry of Defence instructed them "to never speak about the incident again." Turner is quoted as saying, "UFOs are a fact and I don't care who knows because I tracked them on military radar units." He believes it's arrogant to assume humans are alone in the universe.

Shropshire Star: "Midnight mystery as woman spots UFO"

This report from Shropshire, UK, details Julie Cooper's sighting of two "weird lights, shaped like little boomerangs," that kept fading in and out and circling. Cooper initially thought they might be laser lights from the V Festival or Chinese lanterns but dismissed these explanations due to the objects' strange movements. The article notes that Shropshire is becoming a "UFO capital of Britain" and mentions previous reports of strange lights and a "basket-shaped" object. It also references a 1994 report of a "saucer-shaped object" over Broseley that was identified as an advertising airship.

Greenwich Borough Mercury: "The truth is out there..."

The Greenwich Borough Mercury reports on the Levy family's sighting of five unidentified craft above their home in Brockley. Valerie Levy described seeing a "huge" yellow-glowing triangle, followed by another craft. Her daughter Tanya attempted to take photos. After contacting London City Airport and the CAA yielded no results, the family contacted the London UFO Studies Group. Chairman Roy Lake suggested it was not Chinese lanterns and expressed certainty that the family had seen something significant, possibly a "Government black-ops project, a Chinese lantern or something else."

Croydon Advertiser: "Strange encounter – of a Tesco kind"

Sid O'Driscoll reported seeing a "beautiful green and white light, moving quite fast, then stopping" above a Tesco supermarket in Purley Cross, Croydon. O'Driscoll, a former non-believer, stated the object was mechanical, moved without noise, and disappeared in a flash. UFO expert Nick Pope examined the pictures and noted that the green lights were unusual and ruled out Chinese lanterns. Pope stated the movement did not fit common explanations like aircraft, meteors, or satellites, calling it a "genuine mystery" and calling for a full public inquiry due to the number of recent sightings.

Lincolnshire Free Press: "Couple puzzled by mystery white lights"

Paul Marriott and Karen Dawson reported seeing two bright white lights hovering in the sky between Surfleet and Sutterton, Lincolnshire. They initially thought they might be RAF planes but the lights remained stationary. The article notes the increase in UFO sightings across the country and mentions a report of over 100 people seeing lights in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Marriott expressed a sense of paranoia due to recent media coverage.

South Wirral News: "Mystery of UFO spotted over town"

Hamo Rigsby of Wirral claims to have captured an image of a UFO that hovered nightly over his town for two weeks. He reported seeing flashing lights emerge from the sides of the object before it vanished. Rigsby stated he had never seen anything like it and that it moved slowly. He added that none of his neighbors saw anything.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout this issue is the increasing number of UFO sightings and the growing media attention they are receiving. Several articles highlight the skepticism of authorities and the difficulty in obtaining official explanations, while also presenting expert opinions that suggest some sightings cannot be easily dismissed. The role of Chinese lanterns as a common, but not always accurate, explanation for lights in the sky is frequently mentioned. The issue also emphasizes the historical context of UFO phenomena, tracing reports back to the early 20th century. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert analyses, and suggesting that the phenomenon warrants further investigation, with some articles explicitly calling for public inquiries.

This collection of articles from various publications in August and September 2008 covers a wide range of unexplained phenomena, focusing on UFO sightings, cryptid encounters, and mysterious events.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Leek, England An article from 'Your Leek Paper' (August 13, 2008) reports a sighting of a 'UFO' above Leek by a resident who described an 'orange spherical-shaped object' appearing behind his house. The object emitted light, made no noise, hovered for a few seconds, and then made a 'right angle turn' before disappearing. The witness's mother corroborated the sighting, stating she had never seen anything like it before. Staffordshire Police reported no UFO calls that evening.

Hexham, England The 'Hexham Courant' (August 15, 2008) details a mysterious object spotted over Hexham by resident Joan Wilson. Described as a 'long, black, disc-shaped object' that was 'rising and falling in the sky' with a 'metallic exterior', the object baffled experts. Radar specialists at Newcastle International Airport could not explain it, and the Ministry of Defence had no reports. The object was observed drifting slowly towards Corbridge.

Bass Strait, Australia 'WAToday.com.au' (October 12, 2008) revisits the 30-year-old mystery of pilot Frederick Valentich, who disappeared over Bass Strait on October 21, 1978. While flying, Valentich reported an unknown aircraft 'playing a game with him,' described as having four bright lights, a green light, and a metallic appearance. His last words were that the 'strange aircraft is hovering on top of me again... it is not an aircraft.' His plane and he were never seen again, despite an extensive search.

Dewsbury, England 'Dewsbury Reporter' (September 5, 2008) features a letter from Steve Johnson regarding a sighting by his mother on August 31, 2008. She saw a 'stationary, white light' in the western sky, which emitted a humming noise before shooting off at high speed. The writer suggests it was not a Chinese lantern, police helicopter, or the International Space Station.

Australia 'The Daily Telegraph' (September 24, 2008) reports on a UFO sighting in Australia where three station workers and three backpackers witnessed 'strange lights flying over a remote Australian station.' The lights were described as coming straight towards them, then fading out to the east. 'Northern Territory News' (October 7, 2008) follows up, reporting that similar 'weird flashing lights' reappeared at Muckaty Station, described as flashing from bright orange to red, moving erratically, and making no noise.

Saskatoon, Canada 'The Star Phoenix' (September 20, 2008) recounts a close encounter by farmer Edwin Fuhr in 1974, who saw five dome-shaped objects hovering above his canola field. He believes these visitors are still watching. He also reported seeing similar lights following him in the northeast sky in recent years. The article also mentions a 1974 incident where five rings of depressed canola were found, theorized by a scientist to be caused by mushrooms, though Fuhr noted the site still emitted radioactive waves.

Cryptid Sightings and Legends

Chupacabra Several articles cover alleged 'Chupacabra' sightings and incidents: - 'Crónica' (September 7, 2008) reports on the mysterious death of 20 chickens in the El Centro sector of the Ránquil commune, Chile. The birds had holes in their bodies and were almost dissected. Residents fear future aggressions, with some suspecting the mythical 'Chupacabra'. - 'The Victoria Advocate' (August 31, 2008) reports that two animals, possibly 'chupacabras', were shot and killed in DeWitt County, Texas. A mechanic and his friends shot the animals, which looked similar to pictures they had seen. One witness described them as not looking like any coyote or mixed breed he had ever seen. - 'The Texan Express' (August 27, 2008) notes that animals resembling the 'chupacabra' had been spotted in Goliad County, Texas. A woman reported seeing a red-eyed animal that sounded like a crying woman. Another report mentions a large creature with red-orange eyes flying out of the woods. - 'The Washington Post' (August 19, 2008) mentions a sheriff's deputies in Cuero, Texas, releasing dash-cam footage of a 'something' running along a dirt road, along with reports and photos of long-fanged, doglike creatures found in Texas.

Bigfoot - 'The Washington Post' (August 19, 2008) discusses the 'season for monster sightings,' including the alleged discovery of a 'Bigfoot' in the backwoods of Georgia, with photos and claims of a body. - 'USA TODAY' (August 25, 2008) reports on the ongoing search for Bigfoot, expressing frustration over hoaxes, such as the frozen rubber gorilla suit presented as a Sasquatch corpse. It highlights the belief of many enthusiasts and the scientific community's skepticism, while noting that a significant portion of the public believes Bigfoot will be discovered. - 'Nanaimo Daily News' (September 25, 2008) covers a rash of 'Sasquatch sightings' in British Columbia, Canada, with three reports in a month. One witness described a creature about seven to eight feet tall, hairy, and moving incredibly fast.

Jersey Devil 'The New York Times' (September 8, 2008) explores the legend of the Jersey Devil in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. A group called the 'Devil Hunters' actively investigates sightings and lore surrounding this cryptid, which is said to have originated from a curse placed by a woman named Mother Leeds. The article notes the enduring public fascination with such legends, even in the face of hoaxes.

Honey Island Swamp Monster 'St. Tammany News' (August 13, 2008) features a documentary released on the legendary Honey Island Swamp Monster. The creature was first sighted in 1963 by Harlan Ford, who described it as a tall, hairy, man-like creature with amber-colored eyes. New track castings, larger than previous ones, have been found, and some believe there may be multiple creatures. The documentary includes interviews and Ford's original Super 8 mm video footage.

Tasmanian Tiger / Large Cats 'The Border Watch' (August 27, 2008) reports on efforts to find evidence of the Tasmanian tiger and large cats in South Australia. High-tech infrared cameras are being deployed following numerous sightings and attacks on sheep attributed to 'animals more powerful than foxes.' A Victorian searcher believes pumas are increasingly present in the region.

Lake Monster 'CNEWS' (July 22, 2008) briefly mentions a woman claiming to have seen the mythical lake monster Ogopogo in Okanagan Lake, British Columbia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The collection of articles reflects a persistent public interest in the unexplained, ranging from UFOs to cryptids. While some articles present witness accounts with a degree of credulity, others highlight the role of hoaxes and the scientific community's skepticism. The overall tone suggests a fascination with mystery and the possibility of undiscovered creatures or phenomena, even as the media and public become more discerning due to the ease of creating fake evidence. There's a recurring theme of individuals and groups dedicated to investigating these phenomena, often facing ridicule or disbelief. The articles also touch upon the cultural impact of these legends and the human desire to believe in something beyond the ordinary.