ATMOSPHERIC ODDITY SEEN IN

     HOPKINS GROVE

Polk: Shortly before dawn on September 12, a number of people in the quiet town of Hopkins Grove observed numerous globes of light surrounding them on all sides extending from 2 to 3 inches off the ground to six feet over their heads. The queer lights were the size of billiard balls and moved independently of each other, both vertically and horizontally, sometimes swirling around individual witnesses. The objects eluded any attempt at capture and no noise accompanied the display. The number of the glowing globes fluctuated from 20 to thirty, to thousands swarming through the air like "intelligent soap bubbles."

     The phenomenon persisted for a full hour, until 7:15 by the clock in the Episcopal Church tower. At 10:00 am, an abrupt and surprising thunderstorm erupted, pouring torrents of rain into the streets.