UFO Newsclipping Service - 2009 03 - no 476

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" magazine, published by The Clifton Record as part of its Newsclipping Service, dated March 2009 (Number 476), focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover headline highlights "UFOs Reported By Walnut Springs Residents, Others," accompanied by a photograph of three individuals observing the sky. The price is $5.00.

UFOs Reported By Walnut Springs Residents, Others

This article by Angelia Joiner details sightings by the Matt Collins family in Walnut Springs, Texas. Matt Collins, his mother Sharla, and sister Ashlee reported seeing bright lights in the sky on January 29th and January 31st. Matt described the lights appearing and disappearing for about 20 seconds, and later saw a dark mass between sets of lights. Sharla, initially skeptical, became convinced that "there is definitely something out there that we don't know about." The object had a red center that changed to yellow, white, and bright orange. CNN reportedly contacted Matt to show his video footage. The article also mentions a sighting by Cody and Carrie Tedford and their uncle Dwayne Clover near Stephenville, who described a large object with a double row of horizontal lights.

Crossroads: Have you ever seen a UFO in the Crossroads area?

This column by Jim Bishop, senior editor for the Victoria Advocate, reflects on the semi-famous Stephenville, Texas UFO events of January 2008. Bishop notes that MUFON's investigation concluded an unidentified flying object was present, and the military scrambled jets. He questions whether readers have seen similar unexplained objects and invites them to share their experiences, emphasizing the vastness of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Man claims he saw strange object in sky above LP mill

This article by Steven Alford from The Lufkin Daily News reports on Jerome Gardner's sighting of a strange object over Old Mill Road in Lufkin, Texas, on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Gardner described the object as a large white circle with a ball on top and a white light shining on the ground. He stated it was not a plane and moved slowly before accelerating away quickly. Officials at the Angelina County Sheriff's Office and Lufkin Police Department had not received calls about the object. The article also references a fireball seen across Texas, which the FAA suggested was a natural phenomenon.

ALL NEWS WEB: The Tucson Mountains UFO flap continues, new sightings.

This piece by Michael Cohen discusses ongoing UFO sightings in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona. It mentions theories about secret military projects or alien craft. A 63-year-old woman described a large, whitish light with orangey-red lights and two other white lights, noting the object changed shapes and had green and blue lights on the bottom. Another witness, a retired businessman, described the craft as "pretty hi-tech" and possibly spaceships or secret Airforce projects.

HERALD BANNER: UFO visits Hunt County

This article by Brad Kellar reports on a mysterious object seen in Hunt County, Texas, on Saturday night, March 2, 2009. A civilian and three law enforcement officers reported seeing an unidentified flying object. Sheriff Randy Meeks stated the object hovered, dimmed, brightened, and moved toward Dallas. L-3 Communications Integrated Systems reported no unusual activity. Similar sightings were reported in Denton County.

Abilene Reporter News: They're baaack!

This article by Angella Joiner revisits the Stephenville, Texas UFO sightings, noting that more witnesses are coming forth. It reiterates the account of Matt Collins and his family, describing the lights appearing and disappearing. It also mentions a video footage taken by Matt Collins and CNN's interest in the story. The article references previous sightings and witness accounts.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: '65 Kecksburg mystery on 'UFO Hunters' show

This article previews an episode of the History Channel's "UFO Hunters" exploring the 1965 Kecksburg, Pennsylvania UFO incident. The program revisits theories about the object that landed, including it being a weather balloon, meteor, missile, or extraterrestrial craft. The show interviewed local witnesses and experts.

Tribune-Review: History Channel hovers over Kecksburg

This article further details the History Channel's "UFO Hunters" episode on the 1965 Kecksburg incident. It highlights the involvement of witnesses and researchers like Stan Gordon. The object was described as acorn-shaped, partially embedded in the ground, with strange lettering. Military personnel were reportedly in the area, and a flatbed truck was seen leaving with a tarp-covered item. The article mentions rumors of photographs of the object.

Circleville Herald: Viewpoint: Year in review for Ufology

This opinion piece by Pete Hartinger reviews ufology events from the past year. It mentions sightings in Japan, Dennis Kucinich's UFO sighting, the Stephenville, Texas sightings, and a case in Socorro, New Mexico. It also touches on the Kecksburg incident and the role of the media and public perception in reporting UFOs. A new website, tuforc.com, for truck UFO reports is mentioned, as is John Podesta's involvement with the UFO Disclosure Group.

The Daily Record - Morris County, New Jersey: Prosecutor Investigates Red Lights, Citing Possible Danger To Aircraft

This article by Abbott Koloff reports on the Morris County Prosecutor's Office investigating red lights seen over Morris County. Officials expressed concern that the objects, possibly flares attached to balloons, could be a threat to aircraft approaching Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA issued an advisory. Witnesses described the lights as swaying and appearing like balloons. Numerous 911 calls were received, and the lights were observed traveling north at an altitude of about 2,500 feet. Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center received several reports from the area.

The Daily Record: New Jersey UFO probe: Call police if you find 'large bags'

This follow-up article by Abbott Koloff details the Morris County prosecutor's investigation into the red lights, which witnesses described as "a festival decoration that floats in the air." The prosecutor asked residents to call authorities if they find "large bags" on their property. The lights, possibly sky lanterns, were seen on several occasions and raised concerns about airspace convergence with planes heading to Newark Liberty International Airport.

WBBH-TV MSNBC: Cow abducted by UFO?

This brief report describes a gruesome discovery by a rancher in Las Animas County, Colorado, of a mutilated cow with udders and reproductive organs missing, and no tracks or blood.

KMBT TV Beaumont, TX: Strange Lights Raise Questions About UFO's

This report by Bryan Rupp discusses a strange light seen over Phoenix, Arizona, that could not be identified. While some suggested the comet Lulin, the object was seen in the west, contrary to the comet's expected position.

Anchorage Daily News: Mysteries in the sky intrigue us

This article by Heather Lende recounts a conversation with her friend Joanne about a bright orb seen in the sky. They initially considered it might be the International Space Station or the comet Lulin. Lende also mentions an old-timer's account of seeing a hovering flying saucer in Montana. The article concludes with a reflection on the inexplicable nature of some phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), witness testimonies, and the challenges of investigating and reporting such events. There is a consistent focus on recent sightings, particularly the Stephenville Lights, and the involvement of media outlets like CNN and The History Channel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and official responses without outright dismissal, while acknowledging the skepticism that often surrounds the topic. The articles highlight the persistent nature of these sightings and the ongoing efforts to understand them, whether through scientific investigation, media coverage, or public reporting.

This issue of the Mount Pleasant Journal, dated February 12, 2009, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, with the cover story highlighting the upcoming History Channel episode on the 1965 Kecksburg UFO incident. The publication also includes reports on recent UFO sightings in the Pittsburgh region and beyond, as well as discussions on government involvement and expert opinions.

Kecksburg UFO Incident Featured on History Channel

The main article details how the History Channel's 'UFO Hunters' program traveled to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, to investigate the Kecksburg UFO crash incident. The hosts, William J. Birnes, Pat Uskert, and Dr. Ted Acworth, were accompanied by a production crew. They conducted interviews with Stan Gordon, the principal investigator of the Kecksburg incident, who has been researching the case since 1965. Also interviewed were Robert Gatty, a former Tribune-Review reporter who covered the story in 1965, and Stan Wall, a radio personality with knowledge of the case. Numerous other eyewitnesses, including those who saw the fallen object and the military presence, were also interviewed.

The article recounts the events of December 9, 1965, when a mysterious object fell into a wooded ravine near Kecksburg. Independent searchers found a strange metallic acorn-shaped object with odd hieroglyphic-like symbols. Hundreds of people, including news reporters, gathered at the scene. The military arrived shortly after and cordoned off the area. The official explanation the next day was that observers had seen a bright meteor, and nothing had fallen. However, a military flatbed tractor-trailer truck was reportedly seen carrying a large, tarpaulin-covered object away at high speed on the morning of December 10, 1965.

A photo accompanying the article shows part of researcher Stan Gordon's collection of materials on the Kecksburg UFO incident, which were displayed at the Kecksburg Festival.

Pittsburgh Region Buzzes with UFO Activity

The issue reports a flurry of unidentified flying object (UFO) reports in the greater Pittsburgh region at the start of the New Year. The most notable case occurred on January 3 in White Oak, a Pittsburgh suburb. A witness driving west on Lincoln Way noticed a bright string of lights forming an obtuse, triangular-shaped formation hovering motionless above a Giant Eagle parking lot. The witness described the object as huge and close to the ground, with lights appearing on its edges and a brilliant flash before returning to its original pattern. The witness felt nervous and the object vanished into thin air. An officer who responded suggested reporting the incident to a UFO group.

Other reported sightings in southwestern Pennsylvania include:

• Moon Township (February 10, 2009): Two girls driving home saw a huge flash that was yellow at first, then changed to blue-green on a clear, cloudless night.
• Bedford (February 8, 2009): Two individuals traveling on Interstate 99 saw a multi-colored, rainbow-like object that appeared to follow their vehicle before becoming stationary.

Green Man Fans Swarm BCCC for UFO Powwow

This article from the Advance of Bucks County (Newtown, PA, February 4, 2009) reports on a Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) State Conference held at Bucks County Community College. More than 400 residents from the tri-state area attended. John Ventre, Pennsylvania state director for MUFON, stated that Pennsylvania has the highest number of reported UFO sightings in the country.

UFO Magazine editor and 'UFO Hunters' host Bill Birnes suggested that the increase in reported sightings might be due to skywatchers trusting media accounts more. He noted that media coverage of UFOs has shifted to 'If it hovers, we cover.'

During the summer of 2008, local news covered a spike in supposed UFO activity around the Oxford Valley Mall in Fairless Hills. John Ventre reported that 77 of 138 UFO sightings over that summer were from the Philadelphia and Bucks County area. MUFON's numbers have grown, with reported sightings more than tripling from 2007 to 2008.

Dr. David Jacobs, a Temple University professor, presented on alien abductions, drawing from sessions of hypnosis with about 150 abductees. He theorized that abductions are often 'intergenerational' and suggested that extraterrestrials might be conducting research to breed a 'hybrid'—half-human, half-alien.

MUFON Field Investigator Bob Gardner stated that collaboration is key to verifying sightings, with multiple reports from different areas being a good start.

Attendees expressed varied views, with some eager to see a UFO and others needing physical proof. The article includes a map showing alleged UFO activity in the Delaware Valley.

First Area UFO Sighting in '67 Reported by Granite City Officers

This article from the St. Louis Globe Democrat (January 30, 1967) revisits early UFO reports in the St. Louis area. It details a sighting by Granite City police officers and Madison County sheriff deputies in the Nameoki Valley Shopping Center. The article also provides a list of 20 UFO sightings in the St. Louis area since 1950, including descriptions and locations.

Notable early sightings include:

• August 15, 1951: A housewife in Baden saw a 'saucer shaped object with a bottom' that glowed crimson.
• August 27, 1954: Four McDonnell Co. employees saw a 'dark red object' near Lambert-St. Louis Airport.
• August 5, 1958: Southwest county residents described an object that glowed crimson and blinked on and off.
• August 15, 1963: A woman at the Westwood Country Club saw a red 'flash' that illuminated the ground and disappeared into the sky.

Patrolman Everett Kelley of Granite City expressed his belief after witnessing a sighting, stating, 'I don't know... but it has made a believer out of me.'

UFO Is Sighted In Granite City

This continuation from the Metro-East Journal (August 2, 1965) reports on a UFO sighting in Granite City. Police officers and sheriff deputies observed an object for over an hour. The article notes that there have been 20 sightings in the St. Louis area since 1950. It also mentions reports from the Missouri side and Cairo, Illinois, of similar objects.

UFOs in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma: Those 'Things' Are Buzzing Again

This Metro-East Journal article (August 2, 1965) compiles several UFO reports. In Canton, Illinois, residents reported an ear-piercing warbling whine and a strange, low flying object. The object was described as saucer-disc-shaped, about three feet in diameter and pointy on top. Radar stations in Hanna City and Sedgwick County, Kansas, tracked unidentified objects at altitudes of 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma were also tracking multiple unidentified flying objects.

K.O. UFOs: RAF Top Guns are Ordered to Shoot Down Alien Craft

This article from The Sun (UK, January 26, 2009) reveals a top-secret Government directive for RAF pilots to shoot down alien craft. Nick Pope, who worked on the Ministry of Defence's UFO desk, claimed that RAF pilots had fired at UFOs on several occasions but failed to bring them down. The rules of engagement were drawn up after dozens of close encounters with suspect craft in British airspace. Pope stated that attacks are not automatic but occur when something in the airspace is deemed a threat. He believes the 'shoot down' orders were issued under a highly-classified directive since the early 1980s. The article also mentions a UFO believed to have torn off a blade of a wind turbine in Conisholme, Lincs.

UFO Turbine Wreck in Germany for Tests

This article from The Sun (UK, January 10, 2009) reports that debris from a wrecked UFO wind turbine in Germany was sent for forensic analysis. Experts hoped to explain how one of the generator's 65ft blades was ripped off. Local people claimed a flying saucer hit the turbine, while manufacturers Enercon dismissed a theory involving a chunk of ice. UFO expert Nick Pope called for the Ministry of Defence to investigate, suggesting a UFO was more likely.

UFO Turbine Results Are In – ET Is Innocent!

This article from The Louth Leader (England, UK, February 9, 2009) concludes that the damage to an Ecotricity wind turbine in Conisholme was not caused by a UFO. An interim report found that bolts securing the blade to the hub failed due to 'material fatigue'. Enercon ruled out a bolt defect and is investigating 'supporting components'.

UFO in German Jets Alert

This article from The Sun (UK, January 30, 2009) details how fighter pilots in Germany were put on red alert after air traffic controllers tracked a mystery object speeding across the country. Investigators ruled out conventional aircraft, weather balloons, and freak atmospheric conditions, calling it a mystery. The object confused radar operators by flicking on and off the screen before vanishing.

Greece: Clear UFO Sighting Near Corinth, Multiple Witnesses

This Allnewsweb report (February 28, 2009) describes a clear UFO sighting near Corinth, Greece, on February 3. Mr. Patapios Palaiologou, a witness, described a huge, metallic silver object about 400 meters above ground, resembling Saturn with a red ring. The object vibrated intensely and emitted a bright glow before disappearing. Police were supportive, noting that other witnesses had reported similar sightings.

Secret UFO Archives Opened

This CPH Post Denmark report (January 29, 2009) states that the Danish Air Force has opened its UFO archives, providing information on over 15,000 reported extraterrestrial sightings. Most sightings remained 'unidentified' due to lack of precise details. The archive includes an event over Greenland on January 5, 1981, where a flaming, square disc was seen, and radar stations recorded an unidentified flying object.

New UFO and Big Cat Sightings in Shropshire

This article from The Shropshire Star (Shropshire, UK, February 25, 2009) reports on a new spate of big cat and UFO sightings in the county. It mentions a sighting of a large feline by an 89-year-old farmer and several reports of unidentified flying objects, including bright lights seen by residents.

Sasquatch: The Chase

This article from The Omega, Thompson Rivers University's Independent Student Newspaper, discusses the legend of the Sasquatch, particularly in the Harrison, British Columbia area. It features Bill Miller, a dedicated Sasquatch hunter who has spent years exploring, tracking, and responding to possible sightings. Miller, who claims to have found five sets of footprints and seen the animal, believes that scientific evidence, such as a body, is needed for acceptance. He emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and educating the public about the existence of the unclassified animal. Miller hopes that if the animal can be caught and classified, it would lead to the protection of large tracts of land.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the ongoing mystery surrounding them. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these phenomena, from historical incidents like Kecksburg to contemporary reports from various locations. The articles highlight the involvement of media outlets, government agencies, and independent researchers in exploring these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and reports without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for evidence. The issue also touches upon related phenomena like crop circles and alien abductions, suggesting a broad interest in the unexplained.