UFO Newsclipping Service - 2008 12 - no 473

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 2008, focuses on recent and historical UFO sightings, with a particular emphasis on puzzling lights reported over Stephenville, Texas, and surrounding areas. The publication compiles eyewitness accounts, official statements, and investigative efforts from various sources.

Stephenville Sightings: Residents Puzzled by Lights

The lead article, "More sightings Residents remain puzzled by lights" by Whitney White-Ashley, details numerous reports of mysterious lights observed in the Stephenville, Texas, area over nearly two weeks. Residents have witnessed, taped, and photographed these lights, leading to various theories ranging from military tests to otherworldly visitors. Eyewitnesses like Lonnie Hammonds, Jimmie Butler, and Janice describe objects that are prominent, sometimes sounding like the breaking of the sound barrier, and believed by some to be military or even extraterrestrial in origin. Tarena Major, who has been watching the skies, dismisses the F-16 explanation, stating that what she saw was different. Keith Aikens recounts a frightening experience of an object hovering above his deer stand, prompting a 911 call. Cody Miller recalls a similar sighting from the previous fall. Alejandro T. Rojas of MUFON confirms ongoing investigations and the collection of witness testimonies, with the organization filing for radar reports.

Laurinburg Couple Reports UFO Sighting

An article by Johnny Woodard in the Laurinburg Exchange (November 14, 2008) reports on a sighting by a Laurinburg businessman and his wife. They described a rectangular-shaped, bright yellowish object floating slowly, which then split into individual round lights. The witness, a Christian clergyman, stated it was unlike anything possible from the military and not an airplane. The article also references other sightings in the area, including those reported by Southern Pines teens Jacob Cole and Ben Sizer, who described a bright, big, green glow that fizzled and fell like it was on fire before splitting into smaller parts. Skeptics like James Randi are mentioned, who offer a $1 million prize for proof of supernatural activity and suggest that many sightings are mundane events misinterpreted.

Austin Planetarium Investigates Recent UFO Sightings

An article by Alexis Patterson in the KEYE-TV (Austin, TX) report (November 24, 2008) highlights the Austin Planetarium's investigation into strange sights recorded on video. Experts are calling them unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Carl Lancaster and Doug McCullough recorded their sightings, which they describe as sometimes moving fast, sometimes slow, and making no noise. Torvald Hessel, an astronomer and executive director of the Austin Planetarium, stated the objects don't move like airplanes and that while a military base is nearby, they might not disclose special flights. Hessel believes the shapes are not weather balloons, comets, or shooting stars, labeling them as unidentified flying objects. The planetarium plans to enhance the video for further analysis.

Delavan Resident Makes Claim of UFO Sighting

Michael Hoey's report in the Elkhorn Independent (November 13, 2008) features Mary Hennerley of Delavan, Wisconsin, who reported seeing something strange on October 31st. She described a bright object with a large tail, moving rapidly parallel to the earth, not downward like a shooting star. She is not seeking attention but an explanation, having previously not been a believer in UFOs. Local police departments had no reports of unusual sightings. Richard Dreiser from Yerkes Observatory suggested it could be a meteor from the Orionids or Taurids meteor showers, noting the difficulty in pinpointing a meteor's origin from a vehicle. However, Hennerley remains uncertain.

UFO Making a Sighting in Small Town Katy?

Tracy Dang's article in the Katy Times (November 4, 2008) discusses a strange flying object hovering over Katy, Texas. A resident reported seeing what she thought was a helicopter with a search light. After checking with law enforcement agencies, she received no answers. The article mentions a YouTube video of two UFO sightings in Katy and discusses possibilities like airplanes or helicopters, but also acknowledges the unusual nature of the reported lights.

Muroc Air Field Sightings Part of First UFOs

This section compiles historical accounts from July 1947, a busy month for "extraterrestrial visitations." An article from the Antelope Valley Press (October 29, 2008) details sightings at Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards AFB). First Lt. Joseph McHenry and others witnessed two silvery objects moving at high speed. Staff Sgt. Gerald Nauman described the objects as not birds or weather balloons due to their speed and glinting. The article connects these events to the Roswell incident and the popularization of the term "flying saucer." It includes affidavits from Maj. Richard R. Shoop and Maj. J.C. Wise, describing metallic, oscillating objects. A memo from the 4th Air Force indicates no further investigation was considered at that time.

UFO Sightings Reported Near Iredell

Evan Moore's report in the Bosque County News (November 5, 2008) covers recent UFO sightings in the Erath County area. Rene Benitez described seeing clusters of multi-colored lights near Stephenville. The following night, another man captured a conical light on videotape. Reports from Channel 25 News in Waco also mentioned lights in the Stephenville area, following dozens of reports around October 21st. The article notes that Stephenville attracted numerous UFO specialists in January following earlier sightings and that the town even capitalized on the phenomenon with merchandise.

Q&A with Walter Andrus Jr.

An interview with Walter Andrus Jr., co-founder of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), published in the San Antonio Express News (November 26, 2008), reveals his lifelong interest in UFO phenomena stemming from a 1948 sighting in Phoenix, Arizona. Andrus describes his own sighting of four silver balloons in formation. He discusses the founding of MUFON in 1969 and its status as the most active UFO organization. He expresses a belief that UFOs are not inherently dangerous and that sightings date back to biblical times. Andrus hopes MUFON will be part of the effort to solve the mystery of UFOs, suggesting some objects may be extraterrestrial.

'Believers' Open to Alien Possibility

Richard Robbins' article in the Tribune-Review (October 26, 2008) covers a Paranormal-UFO Conference at Westmoreland County Community College. Attendees, described as "true believers," discussed personal encounters with ghosts and UFOs. Cristen Stephansky of the International Parapsychology Research Foundation (IPRF) spoke of obtaining infrared evidence of soldiers. Melanie Durish shared an experience of recording a voice on a digital recorder. John Ventre, president of the Pennsylvania Mutual UFO Network, organized the conference, noting that attendees "like to be scared" or "delve into the unexplainable." He mentioned that UFO sightings have doubled in Pennsylvania and that both Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan reported seeing UFOs. Butch Witkowski of MUFON stated that while many UFOs have been sighted, no alien has been confirmed in Pennsylvania, but expects it to happen someday.

Alien Hunters to Gather Here

James McGinnis's article in the Tribune-Review (October 26, 2008) reports on the rise of UFO sightings in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a 700 percent increase since January. The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is planning a conference in Bucks County, featuring speakers including history professor David Jacobs. The article mentions specific sightings, such as spaceships over Sesame Place and black boomerangs over Citizens Bank Park. It also notes a report of an "alien entity" seen in a JCPenney store. The documentary "UFOs over Earth" is scheduled to air on the Discovery Channel. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, urges caution in interpreting sightings.

Ministry Reveals UFO Sightings

This section compiles declassified government documents from the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) detailing UFO sightings in the Cannock Chase area between 1986 and 1992. The documents reveal investigations into silent, rotating lights, cigar-shaped objects, and hovering lights. The MoD spokesperson stated that independent experts have concluded straightforward explanations for most reports, such as aircraft lights or natural phenomena, and that the MoD's role is to ensure UK airspace is not compromised. Paranormal investigator Nick Redfern suggests that the MoD may know more than they are publicly revealing. The article lists specific sightings with dates, times, descriptions, and locations, including a bright white light over Brindley Heath Car Park and a caravan-sized object with a blue light near Aldridge.

Levelland Sightings: A Texas Puzzle

Articles from The Daily Journal (November 4, 1957) and The Paris News (November 4, 1957) detail the famous Levelland, Texas UFO flap of November 1957. Eyewitnesses reported mysterious objects, including a "thing" described as 200 feet long, shaped like an egg, and lit up like neon lights. Reports of stalled car engines and lights going out when the objects appeared were common. Sheriff Weir Clem observed a brilliant light but not a close view. Patrolman A. J. Fowler noted agreement on the object's size and appearance. Congressman J. T. Rutherford called for a statement from the Pentagon. Pedro Saucedo described a "great sound and rush of wind" and heat from an object that rocked his truck. Ronald Martin reported his truck engine dying and lights going out when a "big bull of fire" dropped on the highway. The Daily Review article quotes an expert, James A. Lee, who believes the object was an "inter-planetary craft."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and time periods, the variety of descriptions for unidentified aerial phenomena, and the ongoing efforts by both official bodies and private organizations to investigate and explain these events. There is a clear presentation of eyewitness accounts, often met with skepticism or conventional explanations from authorities, contrasted with the persistent belief and curiosity of many individuals and researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these phenomena without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

This issue of the Louth Leader, dated Wednesday, October 22, 2008, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena across the UK and Ireland. The cover story features Eric Goring, a 61-year-old man from Brinkhill, who claims to have been witnessing triangular-shaped aircraft with lights near his home for six weeks and expresses concern about being abducted by aliens. The article includes his drawing of the craft and a quote stating, "I am seeing these ships so regularly now and I think they are here to study the planet."

Articles and Reports

'I'm worried UFOs might beam me up!' (Louth Leader)

Eric Goring recounts his experiences of seeing triangular UFOs, dismissing explanations like Chinese lanterns. He describes them as moving slowly with no noise, sometimes shining a large searchlight, and estimates their size at around 50ft across. He had a close encounter where one craft hovered about 200ft above him, and he fears radiation and abduction.

'UFO' over Asfordby (Melton Times)

Three Melton men fishing in Asfordby reported seeing three bright lights in the sky on a Friday. Stuart Williams described a bright light appearing suddenly, moving quickly and in a weird pattern. He filmed the 'UFO' on his camera phone. A spokesman for East Midlands Airport stated that air traffic control logs did not show any aircraft activity in the area at the stated time.

'We saw UFO over Cumbria' (News & Star, Rutland Times)

Cumbria Police investigated a report of a strange object seen in the night sky above Penrith on September 22. A local man described an oval-shaped object with an orange mid-section, leaving a stream of glowing debris. Derek Gove, who was running a martial arts class, also saw a bright, white-hot, glowing object streaking across the sky, leaving a long trail, with chunks breaking off. Police contacted the RAF and scientists but found no explanation, concluding the object was natural. Michael Dillon also reported seeing a strange object moving at speed vertically, diagonally, and horizontally over West Cumbria. Julian Cooke, a Met Office weather forecaster, suggested it was an "unusually large" meteor.

Mysterious fireball was 'nothing to worry about' (Rutland Times)

In Uppingham, Stephen Pepper and his eight-year-old son Sonny reported seeing a large ball of flames streak across the sky. They described it as having a large dome shape on top with lights like an erupting volcano. Bob Hicks also spotted a similar object while walking his dog. Jon Brackenridge, from Oakham, also saw an incredibly bright light that plummeted downwards. Julian Cooke believes these sightings were of fireballs, which are unusually bright meteors.

Irish UFO tape to be beamed around the world (Sunday Tribune)

Footage of an alleged UFO, filmed in Co. Meath by a senior garda on August 3, is to be shown at Ireland's first Paranormal Convention. Carl Nally of UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland described it as the best film of a UFO ever captured worldwide. The footage shows a fourth triangular UFO turning anti-clockwise before shooting a beam down towards Earth.

Did a UFO zoom over borough? (Romford & Havering Weekly Post)

Documents released by the National Archives reveal that 17 years ago, a mysterious missile-shaped UFO almost caused a mid-air collision with an Alitalia plane. The unexplained close encounter occurred on April 21, 1991, when the UFO was travelling at an estimated 120mph. The case was investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority and military experts, who concluded it was likely a rocket.

More 'UFOs' spotted in the night sky (Croydon Advertiser)

Carrie Negri reported seeing seven bright orange missile-shaped lights travelling slowly in formation across the sky in East Croydon. The sighting occurred just weeks after mysterious green and white lights were spotted hovering above a Tesco store in Purley Cross, prompting calls for a public inquiry.

TOP GUN VS ALIEN (The Sun)

This article reveals secret Ministry of Defence X-Files, including an incident in 1957 where US pilot Milton Torres was ordered to shoot down a massive UFO over Norwich. The UFO, described as the "size of an aircraft carrier," vanished at 10,000mph. Torres was later warned not to speak about the incident. Another file details a 1991 incident near Lydd, Kent, where a passenger jet had a near miss with a 10ft-long, missile-shaped object. The MoD files also included a letter from a woman claiming to be an alien.

'BEST PROOF YET' (The Sun)

A photograph of a "flying saucer" taken in daylight over Dudley, West Midlands, is hailed as one of the most important pieces of evidence of alien life. The photo was sent to DC Gary Heseltine, who collects UFO sightings.

Lights in sky don't mean Jack... (Dewsbury Press)

Jack Bunn, 88, believes he has solved the mystery of so-called UFOs seen in the Batley and Dewsbury night skies. He captured two "craft" which he theorizes are balloons with firelighters inside, causing them to fill with warm air and float. He suggests this is a prank rather than an extraterrestrial phenomenon.

UFOs sighted over North Kirklees (Batley News)

Twins James and Jonathon Maguire saw strange lights in the sky in Thornhill. The next night, the lights returned, and their stepdad, David Butcher, also witnessed them. They described a bright light and smaller coloured lights, with no noise. Mick Jones and Mark Hinchcliffe saw three bright orange, hovering lights in a triangular shape over Mick's garage roof.

Fotografían un supuesto Ovni (El Diario de Atacama)

A tourist in Concordia, Argentina, photographed a strange object between the crosses on the cupola of the San Antonio de Padua Cathedral. The object disappeared seconds later. This is the second similar incident in the region, with another man capturing a strange object while photographing his daughter.

Strange lights seen in the Atacama sky (El Diario de Atacama)

Municipal mayor Brunilda González saw a strange phenomenon in Caldera, Chile, while travelling on highway 5. She described an object that lit up the sky and moved erratically. Francisco Carrasco also witnessed a similar event and took photos of a green and orange light that moved and stopped.

La ciencia no encuentra explicaciones: Apareció un extraño ser en Península Valdés (26noticias.com.ar)

Roberto Gómez found a strange being in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, described as having two lamb-like ears, four legs, cat-like fur, and a large, well-preserved eye in the center of its head. Speculation ranges from contamination to extraterrestrial presence.

Mormon missionaries find sasquatch print (Houston-Today.com)

Two missionaries in Burns Lake, British Columbia, found what they believe to be sasquatch footprints, about 20 inches long, outside their home. This sighting has led them to reconsider their skepticism about Bigfoot.

Birth of Bigfoot (Times-Standard)

This article traces the origin of the term "Bigfoot" to a 1958 article in the Humboldt Times by Andrew Genzoli. It discusses the initial reports of tracks in Bluff Creek, the subsequent investigation, and the eventual confession by Ray Wallace that it was a hoax. The article also mentions the famous Roger Patterson film from 1967.

Bigfoot sighting on Highway 101 (The Willits News)

A Laytonville man reported an encounter with an apelike creature while driving on Highway 101 near Shimmins Ridge Road during a period of heavy smoke from wildfires. The creature was described as black, about seven feet tall, with giant arms and fur, and a flat face with yellow or gold eyes.

Lake Champlain expedition searches for Champy (PressRepublican.com)

An expedition is planned for next summer to search for Champ, the Lake Champlain monster. Organizer Ruby Anderson believes there is a family group of "Champtany" in the Button Bay area, based on multiple sightings, including her own in 2007.

The Beast of Billiwhack (Ventura County Star)

This article explores the legend of the "Beast of Billiwhack" from Santa Paula, California, described as a creature that is half-man, half-sheep or goat with white fur and ram's horns. The legend is believed to have originated from a child's story that evolved into a tale of a Nazi super-soldier experiment gone wrong.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and cryptid reports (Bigfoot, Champy, Beast of Billiwhack). The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often presenting witness accounts and official investigations, while also acknowledging skepticism and providing alternative explanations (e.g., meteors, hoaxes, balloons). There is a clear interest in documenting these events and encouraging public participation through emails and website visits. The inclusion of articles from various newspapers and online sources suggests a broad coverage of the topic.