OBSCURUM: Episode Two - "Strange Happenings"
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Gabe Leonars
Producer: Imagine and Leonhar's Entertainment for iHeartMedia
Introduction
In the second episode of OBSCURUM's first season, titled "Strange Happenings," host Gabe Leonars delves deeper into the enigmatic wave of mysterious drone sightings that have unsettled rural communities across the Midwest since 2019. This episode unpacks eyewitness accounts, historical parallels, and expert analyses to shed light on these unexplained aerial phenomena.
Unexplained Drone Sightings Over the Midwest
The episode begins with residents recounting their encounters with unidentifiable flying objects. One of the earliest testimonies comes from an unnamed local who describes:
“I think they're the funnest one is the fact that we're missing a nuclear warhead. I like that one. Well, they were quiet, but they had definite two, like spotlight coming out of the bottom of them. It was just going over the lake.”
[02:15]
These sightings often involve multiple objects exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as hovering with spotlights and moving in coordinated patterns, which have led to widespread speculation about their origins and intentions.
Local Experiences and Witness Accounts
Gabe engages with several locals who have witnessed these drone-like objects:
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Marcy Kelly, a resident of Imperial, shares her unsettling experience:
“I feel uneasy about it. Just because there's so many and they've been here for so long and we don't have an answer of who's doing it.”
[34:50]Marcy describes seeing various sizes of drones, some stationary while others maneuver swiftly above her property. She also notes peculiar animal behavior coinciding with these sightings, suggesting a broader environmental impact.
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Terry McNair, grandson of Milt and Clara Moreland, provides historical context:
“They too came in from one way and swooped out a different way. So she's just, you know, sitting at home one day, it's daylight and these saucer type basketball looking objects just kind of appear.”
[18:25]Terry recounts stories passed down from his grandparents about similar UFO sightings in the 1950s, drawing eerie parallels to current drone activities.
Historical Context: Previous UFO Sightings and Crashes
The episode draws connections between recent drone sightings and historical UFO incidents:
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1884 Nebraska UFO Crash: Gabe explores a report from the late 19th century about a cylindrical object crashing near Binkelman, Nebraska. According to local accounts, cowboys found scattered machinery and a wheel fragment, suggesting an extraterrestrial encounter, though the veracity remains unverifiable.
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1960s Observations by Barb Stanley: At ten years old, Barb witnessed a craft land briefly near her family's farm before it ascended and vanished. Her account corroborates the recurring theme of isolated rural areas being hotspots for unexplained aerial phenomena.
Expert Insights: Aviation Specialist Bill Bowerly
Seeking a scientific perspective, Gabe consults Bill Bowerly, an aviation expert with extensive military and commercial flying experience:
“They make them smaller and smaller? Well, they kept making them a little bit bigger and giving them more range. So that's where they came up with these 24, 36-hour drones that could just loiter.”
[46:10]
Bill explains the evolution of military drone technology, suggesting that the sophisticated drones observed might be advanced models designed for extended missions. He raises the possibility that these drones could be part of covert operations, given their extended range and endurance.
Current Developments and Theories
As the investigation progresses, Gabe uncovers unsettling developments:
- Interference with Communication Systems: Marcy Kelly reports that drones have been interfering with cell towers, causing disruption in communication services.
“Is this interference with cell towers something that’s been observed elsewhere?”
[58:45]
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Mysterious Green Substance: An alarming claim emerges about drones dropping a green substance, raising concerns about potential biohazards or other malicious intents.
“Marcy dropped this one... I have heard and I haven't seen. I seen a picture of like a green substance that's been dropped.”
[1:02:30]
Conclusions and Ongoing Mysteries
The episode concludes with Gabe reflecting on the fragmented nature of the available information:
“Stories are like puzzles. Nothing makes sense until most of the pieces are in place.”
[65:20]
Despite significant efforts to piece together the puzzle, many aspects of the drone phenomenon remain elusive. The combination of historical accounts, eyewitness testimonies, and expert opinions paints a complex picture but leaves viewers with more questions than answers.
Key Takeaways
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Persistent Drone Activity: Continuous sightings since 2019 with behaviors mimicking advanced military drones.
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Historical Parallels: Similarities between current phenomena and past UFO incidents suggest a recurring mystery.
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Expert Analysis: Aviation experts propose that these drones could be part of undisclosed military operations, though definitive evidence is lacking.
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Community Impact: Increased anxiety and disrupted daily life in rural communities due to unexplained aerial intrusions.
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Unresolved Mysteries: Despite thorough investigations, the true nature and purpose of these drones remain unknown.
Notable Quotes
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Gabe Leonars: “It just becomes a human decision to decide to throw by the window your business strategy and to do what you think is the right thing for the world.”
[Introductory Reference] -
Yuma County Sheriff Todd Combs:
“I will tell you right up front, I do not have a lot of answers for you at this time. I wish I did, but I don't.”
[12:55] -
Bill Bowerly:
“If you just use the premise that they are a six-hour drone and they can travel at 60 miles an hour, it would be very conceivable that you could launch these from 100 miles away, go do your work and then fly that hundred miles home.”
[47:35]
Final Thoughts
"Strange Happenings" effectively captures the eerie and perplexing nature of the drone invasions plaguing rural Midwest. By intertwining firsthand accounts, historical data, and expert insights, Gabe Leonars presents a compelling narrative that invites listeners to ponder the true origins and motives behind these mysterious aerial occurrences.
For more insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit obscurumseries.com and engage with the community on social media platforms.
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