tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63140890870772796772024-03-08T18:44:36.549-06:00Kettle Moraine Paranormal InvestigationsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-39234096223243516832013-07-17T12:43:00.002-05:002013-07-17T12:43:37.352-05:00Para-journalism-tiesI was watching the news the other day, when I ran across the story of the Asaina flight that crashed, and the news station that wrongfully reported the insensitive (albeit quite funny) names of the pilots. And I couldn't help but start thinking. This isn't the first time that a news station has jumped the gun on a story, only to have given out wrong information. News companies are competing with one another, and in doing so, there is an enormous amount of stress and pressure on being the first, or the most accurate, or the best. And every journalist dreams of being the best, and the fastest, and the most accurate. It's what they do, after all, they keep the masses informed.<br />
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So, one would think with everyone having the same dream, they'd cooperate and share info and work in unison. But journalism is field of study, and is as cut-throat as any other. Reporters snagging scoops and looking for angles unexplored, and other papers and sources quick to point out the flaws and short-comings of other respective journalists. <br />
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Not so different from the paranormal community, when you think about it. Every group starts for the same reason...a love, or at least a curiosity for the paranormal. And somewhere along the line, we all decide to strive to help people in need, educate people, or go all out for the book writing and radio shows and television shows and public appearances. But in any of the three cases, there's always the paranormal.<br />
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And yet, we're as cut-throat as any field. Maybe it's because we DONT get paid for it, maybe it's a pride thing, maybe it's that we strive to be the best, the most versatile, the most dedicated, the most organized, the most professional team out there. Maybe it's because we try so hardto have the most equipment, or the best website, or the newest toys, or matching tee-shirts. But in the end, it consumes us. A field filled with egos creating barriers and walls, building an imaginary fort of followers on face book and fans and hoarding locations and information and equipment and evidence all in the name of science that only a few of us advance, most of us practice, and very few of us understand. <br />
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But there is always conflict. Just as the NTSC intern trolled the news station (Like a boss, no less!) there will always be groups faking evidence. Just as some journalists will say anything on the teleprompter (Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrel, "Anchorman") comes to mind lol) investigators will be simply copying what they see on TV, and as long as news casters are trying to be the first to land a scoop, there will be other teams there to refute your evidence as they try to provide their own.<br />
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But this is also WHY we try so hard to refute evidence. Because when the first team DOES have the first, conclusive, holy grail of all evidence that cannot be denied, we, as a community, want to be sure it's legitimate and stands as a testament to the entire communities efforts. <br />
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But until there is journalism-unity, there will never be a complete para unity.<br />
<br />kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-14743122281669055962013-04-10T21:01:00.003-05:002013-04-10T21:01:48.177-05:00Antagonizing and why it worksMany ghost hunters and would be investigators out there use antagonizing as a method to generate results during an investigation, and while the claim for ethics is always up in the air, it leads one to wonder why, if at all, would such a thing even work?<br />
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Ghosts and spirits, in this world, could be best described as negative energy beings. That is, they are not a positively charged ion, such as humans, plants, animals, etc. They exist on a different spectrum, a different layer of energy that we do. But while they cannot harm us, and we likewise cannot assault them, our voices and actions do seem to cross these two worlds, these two planes of existence. This is, in simple terms, because words CAN hurt. And they do. Anyone who has ever been called a name or been the victim of a bad joke knows that words hurt just as bad as sticks and stones. <br />
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We already know that sound, is energy. Just like light. This is why we are able to see and hear ghosts yet. This is why ghosts are able to see and hear us. To us, they often look like shadows, or even distortions of their former life. To them, we must seem as bright, vibrant, solid beings.<br />
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But why then, would we antagonize them? Why assume this would work? Well...take Emoto's Water experiments in this case. <br />
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http://www.highexistence.com/water-experiment/<br />
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While this study has surely been done more than a few ways and a few times, the point is: spiritually, we are an energy, and it is the intention that we put out, consciously, that shapes and directs our consciousness reality. When people are depressed, they can use Reiki, EFT, or hypnosis to often counter those effects. These are skills of light workers (unless you want to count hypnosis as science and psychology), and often are directed with GOOD intentions. And as such, they affect people, or positively charged entities, in a positive way. We recharge, through the sun, through the love around us, and we become better and stronger for it.<br />
Now, if that's true, then a ghost, being of negative energy, would surely become stronger through negative intention. This is why some investigators believe they must investigate in the dark. And this is why antagonizing works. By directing negative energy at a negative entity, it's reaction growls closer to the median, the veil between our worlds, and the reaction is stronger, and louder. Thus why we are more likely to intercept and record these events. <br />
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Once again, I'm not petitioning for, or against these methods. Personally, I don't use them unless the client needs to feel they have to prove something. I've generally caught more flies with honey than vinegar. And when you factor in Karma, you can assume it's not going to turn out well for anyone in the end. But ethics aside, it's still important to note as a tool when looking at the overall picture of the physics that transcends both our world, and the one beyond it. kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-78518226613906432972013-01-27T15:48:00.001-06:002013-01-27T15:48:21.626-06:00A new beginningI have spent the last 15+ years looking into the paranormal, and have had the wonderful opportunity to get into some of the greatest and most renowned locations, and have had the pleasure of being allowed into the homes of many individuals having questions and needing answers. It has been a labor of love, not one I have done for fame, or money, but as interest and science. <br />
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I always knew these things, these apparitions, experiences, disembodied voices, etc. existed. I knew, because I had seen them. I have seen and felt these things, and there was nothing that could convince me otherwise, but my questions were not the "if" but the "how" and "why". I let me love of science carry me down a dangerous line of psychology and psychics, of science and physics, of religion and occult. And I have always striven to find a balance and consistency in a world whose only rule is based on change. And for years, I had done just that. And i have no regrets. The paranormal is STILL, and always WILL BE, my main focus and primary interest. <br />
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Over the last few years, my group underwent a huge change, and my new members could not have left me more proud of my accomplishments. Seeing how far they have come, in such a short time, and under my hard-ass tutelage and rules, leaves me with a satisfaction knowing that, when they strike out on their own, my legacy will carry on.<br />
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And that time has come. Now, before all my opponents do a victory dance and my fans begin to picket my home with pitchforks and torches, I am NOT giving up on the paranormal, and KMPI, in a sense, still exists. But in terms of having my own group, I have had to take the back seat. My wife's recent medical condition and my children, now growing, have left me spread too thin, with baseball and PTA and homework and girl scouts and religious classes and soon, most likely karate and god knows what else, plus the many different boards, committees, and other events and teams I am on, have left me spread too thin and have taken too much of my time for me to put my all into KMPI. For this reason, Jim and Deb have begun their own group, "Paradigm Shift Paranormal Investigations" (find them on FaceBook and blogs, I'll post links when I find them). Jim and Deb have a love for the paranormal that, honestly, is so big it can't hardly be contained in my little group, and I felt it was time they set out on their own anyhow, if nothing else, so that can shape their own group into what it should be. My group always as just that, KMPI. And Jim and Deb have proven that they are bigger than my ideals and I feel they have much more to offer with my busy personal life not holding them back ;)<br />
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I give them my full blessing going forward, knowing they have the resources, and determination, and heart that makes a paranormal team what it should be, and I will be forwarding my work to them as I get it in. <br />
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Of course, my love is still the paranormal and I will continue my studies and research alone, helping out the groups I network with as requested as I help Jim and Deb along in their own venture. KMPI is still my baby which is why I haven't let the domain expire, and the website may or may not come back, but in the meanwhile, I can rest easier at night knowing that the seeds I planted years ago have finally taken root and have branched out into their own. <br />
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And for that, and the friendships KMPI has brought me, I truly am grateful and can say that this is not the end, but simply, a new beginning for old friends.<br />
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Michaelkmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-72601293967281925552012-06-19T20:36:00.004-05:002012-06-19T20:36:44.821-05:00got me thinking today!Been while since I posted, sorry about that! I got busy, and have barely been online!<br />
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A friend of mine from another group asked me today, what I thought of paranormal groups that use "provoking"? And the honest answer, is, I'm okay with it! Now, before you get all up in arms, let's examine the word itself:<br />
http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/provoke<br />
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Websters defines it as such, as seen above in the link:<br />
1) Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)<br />
2) Evoke or provoke to appear or occur<br />
3) Provide the needed stimulus for<br />
4) To call forth; to call into being or action; esp., to incense to action, a faculty or passion, as love, hate, or ambition<br />
and finally:<br />
8) To appeal. [A Latinism]<br />
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Putting aside the negative attributes of the word, I can't really say any group DOESN'T technically provoke. We provoke when we walk in the door. We provoke, when we engage in conversation with a possible ghost or spirit. And we provoke when we leave out a ball for someone to play with, or flowers on a grave, or play music or do art or even think of someone who's past...the very memory of them calls forth their memories within us. Everything we do as paranormal investigators, "provokes" in a sense. The flashlight trick commonly seen now on TV, asking "could you touch this antenna on my MEL meter?" is all provoking when you think about it.<br />
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You can't get honey from a tree without disturbing the hive inside, for example. And no one can reasonably expect to catch a fish, where there is no water. By simply engaging in the exchanges we do, as investigators, we are provoking a memory, an emotion, a soul, and reaching out to it. <br />
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Do I believe it's okay to taunt, or curse at, or belittle a ghost or spirit just for a decent K2 hit or a solid EVP? Absolutely not. But finding that trigger that lights the fire and re-awakens them sort of provoking? yes, I do. But it's sad since many groups out there associate the word with only the negative connotations of the word, and often take provoking to mean you have to incite rage or anger. And this isn't always true. <br />
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As a whole, I think the community could look at HOW it does what it does, maybe re-evaluate some of what it sees on television, and try to look at things from a more spiritual perspective sometimes. Not that many groups do not...but you know what they say..you catch more flies with honey...but to do that...into the beehive you go! ;)<br />
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</tbody></table>kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-44268885375584369242012-05-30T21:47:00.001-05:002012-05-31T11:38:14.118-05:00The Story of Jay Road and Investigating LegendsImagine my surprise when I found out that the area that I had grown up in and my family has lived in for generations (and my husband and I own land in that we hope to build on) was also home to a ghostly legend. I had never heard about this legend until I found it online one day, years ago. I was on the Shadowlands website and found my tiny little unincorporated hometown was listed - Boltonville. Specifically the area of Jay Road outside of Boltonville. Soon after, the legend was also featured in a book about all of the weird things that exist in Wisconsin.<br />
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So what's the legend? It says there was an old woman who lived alone with her cats until she perished in a fire started by troublemaking kids. Now her ghost haunts the road and her cats' descendants roam the area. Really? Not only had I never heard of this ghost story before finding it online, I also had never heard of this fabled woman and her burning house. I will say there are a lot of cats in and around Boltonville. But it's because a lot of people have unaltered outside/barn cats and they roam, littering the area with their offspring. Nothing paranormal about cats doing what nature intended them to do.<br />
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The other part of the legend involves a woman jogger who was supposedly killed by a car and she now haunts the road as well. I never heard of this before either and believe me when I say in our tiny, TINY town we would remember stories like this.<br />
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Another claim is that the road has parts that are dark even on the sunniest days. Yeah...there's something that gives off shadows like that. Ever heard of trees? There's many parts of the road that have trees growing together above the road. It's almost like driving through a tunnel. Unless someone cuts down those trees, it will ALWAYS be dark there. Again, nothing paranormal about it.<br />
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I decided to dig further into these stories. I thought, perhaps I just don't remember hearing any of these stories because they were before my time. So I asked my older relation. Again, my family has lived in the area for generations. I have the family tree on Ancestry.com to prove it. We're all very familiar with Jay Road, or Seven Bridges Road as many of us still call it. My family used to take the road to Lake Michigan. You used to be able to literally drive the road straight to the lake (there is now a private subdivision of houses there, so it no longer goes straight up to the lake). My mom is very familiar with the road after the night she took the family car out on it (even though her father specifically told her to avoid the road because of the rainwater going over the road near the bridges) and got stranded in the stalled car in the middle of a huge puddle (that really was almost a pond!).<br />
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Anyways, I ask my family. Not a one of them has heard of any of the claims. One would think that a ghostly legend that has enough notoriety to be featured in a paranormal book would garner enough local attention that every kid would grow up fearing the area that it was set in. This was not the case, though. Finding nothing of interest, I figured it was something that someone made up and posted on Shadowlands to be funny or something. I sort of forgot about the legend and time went on.<br />
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Now there's a new rash of Legend Trippers going to the area and posting their antics on YouTube. I was just there this weekend for the local firemen's picnic and brought up the topic again. This time I asked other people as well, not just my family. Again, everyone looked at me like I was crazy. They had never heard of any of it. Even a man who is very interested in history and also has had family in the area for generations had never heard of the legend or of deaths in the area like that.<br />
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Which leads us to - are these stories true? I highly doubt there is any truth to them at this time. If anyone has factual evidence (like newspaper clippings that show stories about the two deaths), I would love to see them. Perhaps there is some dark side of Jay Road that even the locals are oblivious to.<br />
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How do we as paranormal investigators know if a story is true or not? Well the obvious first place to start is with the facts. We need to find evidence to back up the claims. There is something else that most myths/legends have in common, though. If you spot this in a legend, it would be wise to approach the claim with more doubt than belief. Many state something that would be impossible for someone to know. Have you ever heard something that ended like this: "...and then the man saw a [insert scary monster or ghost here]<insert here="" legend=""> and heard a [insert ghostly sound here]<insert ghostly="" here="" sound=""> and was never heard from again."? If the man was never heard from again, please tell me how everyone knew his story? How did everyone find out what he saw and heard right before he died/disappeared? The Jay Road legend is similar. It states that the old woman was "heartbroken and angry" so she chose to stay in the house after the kids started it on fire and perished. If she lived alone like the legend says, who was told by her that she was heartbroken and angry so she chose to die in the fire? If you spot a story like this, I suggest proceeding with caution before you start believing it.<br /><br />I think one of our responsibilities as paranormal investigators is to help people understand how legends are formed and show them what to look for before they believe something without checking into it. I'll admit I question the ethics of groups who spread ghost stories without checking into the claims. It's one thing to have fun talking about ghost stories but it's another to spread the stories as believable events without anything to back them up.<br /><br />Unless I am presented with some hardcore evidence, I'm not going to believe that Jay Road is haunted and I shake my head in disbelief by how many groups of Legend Trippers head out there thinking they will catch something. My one request if people feel they MUST continue to do this - please be respectful. Don't take video of peoples' personal homes and post it on YouTube, talking about how it's all haunted. Don't horse around on the road, endangering your life and the lives of those around you. And remember that many people, like me, will question your methods if you believe a place is haunted just because someone posted it on the internet even though there is nothing to back up the claims.<br /></insert></insert>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-40061025975238487192012-05-24T02:38:00.000-05:002012-05-24T14:18:16.697-05:00A game changer for all of usThis is a topic I've put off for awhile, because it's sort of a sensitive topic...Legend Tripping. Long story short, Legend Tripping is the adolescents' version of Paranormal Investigating. You don't actually investigate anything...you pile in a car, drive somewhere someone else has already been, freak out, take a few pictures, and go home. It's what sophomores do for fun in high school...heck I did it too when I was 16 and got my car! But now there are groups that do this, seemingly full time, and it's caused a bit of an upset in the field.<br />
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It used to be places, homes, businesses, were actually HAPPY to have us come in. They called us, begged us to come, and were grateful for our help. We were providing a service to people. But then, the legend trippers came out in full force. Blame the media, blame society, blame the fact that gas prices finally leveled off a bit, but in the end, it all came down to the trippers. Because they were so numerous, and came and went so quickly, businesses came to see it as an opportunity, and began to charge people just to walk into a doorway at night. <br />
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I remember doing some big places in my time...the Oshkosh Theater (The Grand), JFK Prep, and the historical societies of many cities (just to name a few), and I did it all for free. On my own dime. Everything - the tee-shirts, the equipment, the cases, the tapes and batteries, the evidence review and the car...everything. And it's a costly sum, too. We currently own thousands of dollars of equipment, and have invested hundreds in apparel and accessories. This isn't just a group of juveniles hyped up on Red Bull in their moms' car...this is a TEAM that actually tries to HELP people, free of charge. And now, you can't hardly go to a place without them asking "What's in it for me?" or "You need to pay the $50+ fee up front". And the fees have been as low as $10-$20, and as high as in the hundreds. And all this time, we've been asking for nothing and are now being charged for our charity? That would be like having a Good Samaritan stop, pull you from your burning car, and you sending them a bill for your hospital expenses later. Insanity, they call that.<br />
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From the business perspective, I get it. I really do. Letting groups come in all the time is a liability, and that costs money insurance wise. But it's the number of legend trippers that have caused this upsurge of places charging to come in. Back when we got started in early 2003, I could count the groups in this state on one hand. Now, I swear to God if I went to a bar tomorrow and exclaimed that I heard some county park is haunted, there's 20 groups canvasing the area before the weekend is over. You can't hardly throw a rock before some teenager squeals "What was that!?" and makes a fly-by-night group. And more than them, even, it's the dissension of groups - splitting up and re-forming, making new groups, and thinking they have rights to lay stake to some kind of claim of property just because they were "from the area" or "it's in their town". There's just too many, like a city full of McDonald's restaurants. No place to fill up in gas, no place to cash a check, just burgers and fries everywhere. Eventually prices will go up, people stop buying and move on, leaving a ghost town in their wake. <br />
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There are many good groups out there, and some have been around a long, long time. But there are a lot of groups out there who are doing this for "fun" and not for its intended purpose. And those groups are dangerous, because they litter graveyards with vandals and they fill properties at night with trespassers, and roadways in the countryside with thrill seekers.<br />
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And it is these thrill seekers that have caused so many places to charge, since they all assume that's what every group is now. I mean, you can't blame them, they must run across 10 thrill seeker groups for every one decent group out there, how are they to know the difference? They collect the money and walk away!<br />
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KMPI is not a group of thrill seekers. We're a group of people, a team of people, furthering the science and providing much-needed peace of mind to regular folks. We're volunteers, and advocates for the community, and we're educating those who have an interest and a few who just have a few questions or concerns. We are, what we are. But we're not a bunch of thrill seekers looking to bum around on a Friday night all giddy and hyped up after the latest episode of Ghost Adventures. We're real people, with families and jobs, and we're making a difference.<br />
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Something should be done, though...a registry of sorts, maybe? Something to differentiate the actual groups from the thrill seekers. Because unless something gets done soon, the legend trippers and thrill seekers will have ruined the credibility of actual groups everywhere, and turn the whole thing into one big joke. kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-73455451807496741222012-04-21T11:25:00.006-05:002012-04-21T12:09:05.363-05:00Updates and reflections and new members, oh my!Firstly, I'd like to begin this blog by welcoming new member and investigator-in-training Lauralye! She contacted us awhile back, but at the time I wasn't sure I was looking to add another member, not to mention that I was in the middle of the big Campbellsport Inn project! But I talked it over with the group, and we agreed, not everyone can always make it to every investigation, which is totally understandable and so we brought her on as our guest when we did the Berlin Tannery On Friday the 13th, and she did very well for her first time. She's got the heart for it, and that's what's really important. Heart, and intent. I hire the heart, and I can always train the rest into them! ;)<br /><br />That being said, we just wrapped up our first busy four months of the year with the investigations in Baraboo, three times to Berlin, Campbellsport, the assist in Hartford, and Saukville. We're now going to be headed next to a location that's huge, but sadly we cannot disclose the location publicly due to previous problems the owners had with another group. Once it's done, however, we'll be sure we get the info out as soon as we are legally able! It IS in wisconsin, however! ;) We have another residence pending in the Milwaukee area as well.<br /><br />In the meanwhile, KMPI added a few new cameras to the mix, thanks to Jim and Deb, and we updated some of our older equipment this year. Hooray for upgrades! The site went under a renovation, and we restarted the message boards and began the C.A.S.P.E.R. program, which so far has done nothing but good for the community as a whole, and has brought the paranormal closer to being accepted by the mainstream public thru our services and volunteer efforts. Helps us to get out in the daylight, and show people that we're not all scary looking people, rummaging thru closets in the dark or trespassing on private property in the middle of the night in some obscure sense of legend tripping. KMPI has always held itself to a standard of integrity and has operated on the premise of helping people, and our C.A.S.P.E.R. program has finally given that dream a form. It's still getting a slow start, but when you look at everything else we've done in 3 and a half months, it's really quite a lot considering that Sarah, our web programmer and co-founder, is also in college, working, and a full-time mother! Probably one of the most amazing women I know!<br /><br />Up for May, besides the big investigation, is a second meeting (the first big meeting) for the 2012 Phantoms of Fond du Lac. This year is shaping up to be huge, and planning began as early as December last year on my end! We've got new buildings to open, a new route, and a new theme to work with. A lot of work, but it all goes for multiple good causes, and we're proud to be a part of it all. Sometime in May or June, a team photo!<br /><br />Beyond May, we're working on finding and setting up our next investigations, as well as 3 (THREE) separate public events, and three presentations on top of those! All between May and August! Needless to say, we're pretty busy for the year, but I'm grateful for it, it shows that our name and reputation alone has carried us in a time when many groups have disappeared as quickly as they popped up.<br /><br />All the new members of KMPI have proven themselves to be a vital part of KMPI and it's goals, and I am grateful for the all the mental, physical, and spiritual support I have gotten this year. KMPI is stronger now, and larger now, than ever before, and I really owe it to my team. The active participation online has allowed us to negate the need for monthly meetings and sav an enormous amount of travel time and meeting set ups. I know it isn't easy for us all to get in the same place at the same time, and that's why we did end up expanding the group, so that we didn't have to worry about short-handedness! Nothing worse than when a member gets sick the day of an investigation, and you are without a sub! But I really cannot stress how grateful I feel for you all to have found our way to us...I guess the time was just right for a change!kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-37730106084222210052012-04-14T12:30:00.001-05:002012-04-14T12:59:38.895-05:00Reputation in the Paranormal FieldKMPI has done a few presentations and there are common questions that we get asked often (so often that we should maybe add a FAQs page to our site!). One of the questions is how we've lasted in the field since 2005. There are other groups that have lasted much longer than us but even more groups that have ended after only a year or two. What's the secret?<br />
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There really is no hidden secret. Maintaining a group is hard work and I think many groups break up because the effort to stay together just becomes too much. We had a rocky time about 1 1/2 - 2 years ago but we were dedicated to making it work and are now a much stronger group. We realized what was holding us back and are very glad that those problems are now gone. Many groups don't survive those hard times, though.<br />
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There are really many reasons to a group's success but we were just discussing two of them, so I thought I would post about them here.<br />
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The first reason is related to a blog I read by Portland Ghosts. You can see the blog here: http://portlandghosts.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/intent/ I think this post is very well written and brings up some interesting points that many people overlook. We at KMPI believe in integrity. We try to maintain integrity in all that we do. All of our members go in to investigations with the proper intent. We treat clients (and the spirits as well!) with dignity and respect and try to stay as professional as possible. Because of this, we have built a fairly good reputation. We have many clients who have not hesitated to invite us back or recommend us to other people.<br />
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Many groups do not operate like this. Word travels in the paranormal community, so believe me when I say that we (and other long-standing groups like ours) know the groups who we believe are giving the paranormal community a bad name. Recently, we've discussed other such groups with other more respected groups. There are groups out there that are only interested in furthering their own fame to the detriment of their group and also the clients they serve. They go into investigations in a very unprofessional manner, sensationalizing things (like saying they feel demons or evil energy constantly), breaking things or leaving garbage lying all over, or treat the clients like they should be honored to be chosen by the group as a place to investigate. We've even heard about these groups from the CLIENTS themselves. Often, we have to convince a client to let us in because they have been burned by a bad group before.<br />
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These groups do a huge disservice to the paranormal community. The only thing we can do is distance ourselves as far away from them as possible and spread the word to other groups to do the same. Then we hope that the bad groups will burn bright and fizzle out, never to be heard from again.<br />
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Which brings up the second part that we've been recently discussing - oversaturating the "market." I think this is another mistake that some groups make. They come into the field like a firestorm: contacting the media to always stay in the paper, trying to get as many "likes" on Facebook as possible, and thinking up projects that will make them the "next big things," whether those are books, articles, television shows, or ghost tours.<br />
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Let me stop and say there ARE good groups out there that have books, television shows, or public ghost tours. But many of these groups built up to that. They didn't start in the field with this grand idea. I wanted to make it clear that I am not bashing groups who have the above things. KMPI has done public ghost tours before and we also are no stranger to media attention, but we've treated all of these things with integrity as mentioned above.<br />
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Anyways, back to the oversaturation of the market. Groups who do this eventually annoy the people around them. The community doesn't want to hear about it anymore and the group dies out. It's similar to a one-hit wonder in the music industry. That band or singer may become very popular for a short time but then it's done. It's better to be the group that slowly gains fans and in turn is around for years and years.<br />
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KMPI has not only worked hard to present ourselves with integrity but also to become a group that slowly grows. We'd rather be around for another 5, 10, maybe even 20 years instead of having 2,000 fans on Facebook. <br />
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On a sidenote, if anyone reading this is wanting an investigation but isn't overly close to us, please contact us and we will give you a good recommendation for a reputable paranormal group. We network and have connections throughout Wisconsin and also in some other states. We want to make sure any future clients have a good experience with a good group so that we can avoid more bad experiences bringing down the whole paranormal community.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-67101003889996225422012-03-03T22:42:00.002-06:002012-03-03T23:10:47.614-06:00PR at it's finestI read today an article on the Jeffrey Dahmer Tour, the big one down in Milwaukee that retraced the nefarious killers steps and reminded people of the tragedy that this was (I'll link the article at the end). <br /><br />It got me thinking...why do so many people protest the things we do as paranormal investigators? For ages, people have been fascinated by the human mortality, morbid as it may be. We've been drawn to the macabre and grisly truths that often goo unspoken. And this was one of them. <br /><br />But I think it's all in the presentation. When KMPI brought Mush Bauers chair back to the Campbellsport Inn, we didn't make a big deal about the haunting aspect of it. Sure, it was part of it, but the truth was, it was only a small part of a bigger picture. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Business picked up for the Inn, and people came from cities, counties, and states away just to once again view the famous chair that Mush himself build and could be seen sitting in in his life. Just as they did when he was alive, just as they did for his funeral. And they continue to come.<br /><br />Then again, comparing a man like Mush to Jeffrey Dahmer is just insane. Mush was a huge supporter of the community and the local kids baseball teams and athletic clubs. He donated much of his time and money to anyone who needed it, and has always been remembered as a great man. Mr Dahmer on the other hand, was a severely troubled individual, a recluse and a sort of reject of society who knowingly committed heinous deeds. <br /><br />Still, the two go somewhat hand in hand. Both attracted the paranormal community as well as the community as a whole. Even our haunted house met with it's share of protests, some of which we thanked the people for their concern, and some of which we had to address more directly. The haunted house (Phantoms of Fond du Lac) was a touchy one, because of the level of gore involved, and again I think this is where the line is drawn. While the paranormal is often faced with traumatic deaths and ghastly historical events, many people would often just rather this all be left covered up. And the truth is, I think often we have to face a level of tactfulness and integrity to pull it off successfully.<br /><br />In the case of the Campbellsport event people want to know if indeed someone does haunt the Inn yet. Rumors have flown around about this since the last owners back in the 70's. I received an email awhile back from the newspaper informing me of the calls she's been getting about it, so I know the interest is there, and we are meeting very, very soon with the owners to discuss what we found. And then, we will be meeting with the public, based on what the owners decide. And again, we have yet to encounter one protest on the issue, which is great! <br /><br />So I think it really comes down to tact, and integrity. I think some groups that focus on the gore, and sensationalize the Hollywood version of a ghost or demon or zombie, tend to get frowned on publicly because, while we all have a secret draw to the paranormal, we all want it to be professional. And so maybe its me on my high horse, but when I see groups senstionalizing the darker side of paranormal, even in the name of "art" by putting it on tee shirts and stickers, I just know it's going to end up as a PR nightmare. As a general rule, my group has solved way more problems than we caused, and we've helped kick-start a number of events around the state now. So I really do listen when I complaint comes in about something we are doing, because even if what we deal with is sometimes a bit dark and scary, we try to shed a whole new light on the situation, that people can walk away more informed, and less afraid.<br /><br />The haunted house? That's a different story! But it's also not paranormal ;) <br /><br />To sum it up, for the groups out there reading this...keep it clean, and keep it real. Sensationalize the darkness, and turn it into a media frenzy, and you're inviting trouble that affects all groups everywhere. So be respectful. Of our clients, of our science, and of each other.<br /><br /><br />link to article:<br />http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/dahmer-tour-attracts-protesters-but-few-customers-jk4e38u-141314223.htmlkmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-14703077221003609012012-02-22T14:13:00.000-06:002012-02-22T14:37:41.657-06:00Flames of passion...they burn!So this blog goes against the direction of the last, but in lieu of recent events, it seems a fitting tribute. KMPI got our start years ago, no one new me, we weren't big...it was just me and my crazed ambitions, and my semi-supportive girlfriend who, lets face it, for awhile thought I was probably suffering from an over-active imagination. When TAPs, or Ghost Hunters, first aired on Sci Fi network, it wasn't just some docu-drama, it was a voice for the many people and groups that, for the most part, were doing something unique and forward, and wasn't mainstreamed like it is today. Most people didn't believe it, or understand it, and there certainly wasn't such a fan-based sub-culture of science geeks, spiritualists, and skeptics that could get these three opposing forces in the world into one room at one time for a common theme or goal. <br /><br /> Ghost hunters changed that. They came on like a fire storm, and in their wake, they left the trail they blazed wide open for people to come out of the closet and join the movement that IS the paranormal. Paranormal became true to it's name finally, "Along-side of Normal", or "Parallel to reality" instead of the ostracized group of teenagers tromping thru a cemetery at night. We became unified to a cause, part of something greater than ourselves, and the dark and macabre history so many buildings had tried to hide came seeping out in truths, bit by bit, by the investigators. The voices of the dead were echoing across televisions across the globe, we could hear them and the world could hear us. This wasn't just a hobby anymore, it was a way of life for many. And like it or not, TAPs became the example we all set forth...many of us differ in styles and beliefs and structures, but no group is immune to the shadows of the shows they watch. <br /><br /> That's not to say TAPs has it 110% right, either, but to finally SEE an example, let others create something from that mold. TAPs broke the ground for many of us, and it came back for season 2 and paved the way for the other shows to try to catch up. <br /><br /> Now, I sympathize with Grant's leaving, because as a group leader, I feel his pain. Whatever his reason, when he went to talk to Jason, you could just tell, the guy was burnt out. With everything, the travels and the shows and the TV filming and book signings and so on, the guy probably hasn't been able to take the time to watch his kids grow up or spend time with his family. And I can relate...burn-out is high in this field. Most groups are lucky to remain past their 1st or 2nd year. The fact that KMPI has held on as long as we have is impressive, for sure, but I feel for TAPs, because the immense popularity of the show probably magnifies the burn out rate ten-fold. I can remember a few times where I asked myself..."Is this even worth it anymore?" and honestly, I will probably again someday, but I always seem to come back. But the time and energy, the money and equipment, the sleepless nights, and the continual disappointment of cancellations and not finding anything builds up on you over time. No one is immune to that. <br /><br /> I believe Grant is leaving TAPs, for sure. Will he stay gone? Who knows. But anyone in this field who's been in this field long enough knows...you might suffer the occasional burn-out, but you never lose your passion for it. Maybe it was something at home. Maybe it was the new group dynamics. Whatever the reason, with a heavy heart, we all say goodbye to Grant Wilson from TAPs and wish him well on his new endeavors, but I think we all know he wont be gone long.kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-57941683731793850052012-02-13T21:32:00.000-06:002012-02-13T21:50:56.170-06:00Renewed Flames of PassionI'm a self-diagnosed sensitive, an empath of sorts. I have always felt what people are feeling, I get feelings and sensations I cannot see, and I tend to adapt myself to those around me.<br /><br /> Years ago, someone told me that I had lost my passion for the paranormal. That got me thinking...maybe I had. I mean, I had been to some really amazing places and seen really amazing things, but for a few years, it seemed like KMPI got stuck into a rut. No NEW clients, just a few tried and true places we had good relationships with, return visits, etc. We had such good results and a lot of fun, but it didn't seem like there was progress anymore. Like everything we did was just to maintain KMPI, and not grow and expand. And so, maybe I HAD indeed lost my passion. Maybe I was no longer amazed and wowed by everything I experienced, maybe there was no fascination left in it all for me...Or, maybe I just needed something new. A new location, something new, and exciting...something untouched, something to get the blood going again. But my group disagreed with me. They wanted to stay where we were. <br /><br />The next few months would be filled with the challenges that decision brought me. A lot of heartache and struggles and re-inventing. And now, over a year later, I can finally say that I again feel excited to do investigations, to do evidence review, to just BE a part of it all. But it's not just the group...I think a lotof it was being tied down. I think we got comfortable as a group, and no one wanted to escape that comfort zone. But what is the paranormal without pushing the limits of science and spirituality? I think we, as investigators and hobbyists alike, need to have not only a passion for what we're doing, but also a little bit of insanity to push beyond the normal day to day routines and lives if we are to experience everything there is to experience. Each new piece of equipment we bring in, I find myself more and more intrigued and more and more interested.<br /><br />In the next few months, we'll be doing more testing with the repaired ovilus, a few tactics, and the new ITC. We'll also get a video ITC unit up and running and hopefully, in the end, we'll have something to report. I already noticed something interesting about the ITC last night, and it's got my head spinning into physics and math that I can barely think anymore!<br /><br />I don't think I ever lost my ambition and passion....I think maybe it was stifled for a bit by routine and comfort-zones. But it's time, again, for us to push those boundaries and barriers and make KMPI all it is supposed to be. And I think I have the team who's passionate (and crazy) enough to help me get it there!kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-1761904366666359062012-01-31T20:49:00.000-06:002012-01-31T21:20:04.346-06:00C.A.S.P.E.R.The C.A.S.P.E.R. program is a new development that sort of began years ago, with a small haunted house and show in West Bend, and has grown and adapted itself to well beyond the aspects of paranormal investigating itself. The C.A.S.P.E.R. program is really so much more than what KMPI does, and while it remains affiliated with KMPI, and is largely sponsored by KMPI's members, it's really it's own entity.<br /><br />C.A.S.P.E.R. stands for Community Activism and Supportive Projects for Education and Revitalization. That sound slike a mouthful but it's really just the tip of the iceberg. The name came easy, we wanted it to be known as sort of the helpful, friendly ghost-type of a entity, which it really is. The goal of C.A.S.P.E.R. is simply...to bring awareness and educate the community as a whole, to the paranormal community. To let them know who we are and what we can do for them. But it's also for the Community Activism, the Supportive Projects and Revitalization of the local businesses and economy. So many of the historical properties we deal with from time to time, are theaters, restaurants, and hotels. Many of them are owned by an individual or family, and in todays market,many of them are struggling. <br /><br />The C.A.S.P.E.R. project is a simple one. We get called in or approach a company. We find out their thoughts on a plausible haunting of the building, see if there's even a remote chance of there being activity, research the property, and then we see what KMPI and C.A.S.P.E.R. can do for them. In exchange for a private (or public) investigation, KMPI will do some free-lance advertising and research into your company, maybe make a few suggestions for you to be able to draw people in. As a general rule, anywhere we go seems to garner a lot of attention just by itself. On our recent excursion we had a few people in the bar waiting around to talk to us. Sometimes, simply the interest is enough to get people in, and if people have a good time, they might recommend the buisness to others! That example is a simple one, so here's a better one:<br /><br />Our most recent one, on-going now, is at the Campbellsport Inn, located in Campbellsport, WI. Our dealings with the FDL Historical society granted us access to ask for a favor...so we got the personal chair of Edward J Bauer, back for one short month, to the Campbellsport Inn. Ed Bauer ("Mush") was well known in this small town, world wide. He was listed in the guiness book of worlds records as the heaviest man to operate a bar, and at nearly 800 pounds, thats not too hard to believe! But almost as well known as the generous and likeable Mush, was his personally-built, custom leather chair, which he was known to be seated at every day for most of his time as the barkeeper. Now, ironically enough, we managed to bring this chair back on the anniversary of his death (was not discovered until after the dates were already set!) and so we took advantage of the situation, and ran a paranormal investigation...two of them, in fact, to test the theory on trigger objects. (Results pending review this week)<br /><br />In addition, KMPI gathered up a lot of historical information we could find, newspaper clippings, stories and info on Mush's life and death, postcards, pictures, and even the historical ownership and building information of the Inn itself! We also handled the media release to the local papers and made flyers to put up around town for the chair being there.<br /><br />The same day we brought the chair in, the parking lot stayed full nearly all day. Co-incidence? perhaps, but an increase in buisness that big only proves C.A.S.P.E.R. has worked for them in many ways...media, sales, advertising, and to top it off, they got to be a part of a paranormal investigation, one of the more popular "hobbies" sweeping the nation. Really it was a win for everything.<br /><br />Phantoms falls into this category as well, although we didn't have a name for it yet, we knew this was where we were going with the program. Campbellsport might not garner the $20,000 jackpot that Phantoms did, and we cannot guarantee that you'll made tens of thousands of dollars with C.A.S.P.E.R., but in the right situation, C.A.S.P.E.R. DOES work, and CAN and WILL help a local business in some way or another. <br /><br /> C.A.S.P.E.R. events can be anything from a presentation, public ghost hunt, tours, haunted house, or private investigation, and beyond. It's limits are the imagination, and we're only limited by the size of your building and the number of our volunteers. For more information on what C.A.S.P.E.R. can do for you, head over to:<br /> http://www.kettlemoraineparanormal.com/CASPER.html<br />...and fill out the form. My team looks forward to hearing from you and working for, and with you! More info on events we've done is located there. <br /><br />C.A.S.P.E.R. is really about people helping the local economy in a rough time, and getting the message of who we are and what we do out to people. It's a great way to unify the public with the paranormal community, since sometimes people might feel we've sort of formed our own clique, and arent sure about what all goes on. C.A.S.P.E.R. is about transparency and a mutual respect between people of all walks of life. <br /><br />And so far, it's been met with open arms and has had amazing results!kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-61422228490105290512012-01-26T21:50:00.000-06:002012-01-26T22:15:46.811-06:00Been a long time, my apologiesSorry guys, been a crazy few months. Personal lives, being sick, jobs...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> not even into the paranormal! Sometimes we get so swept away just trying to keep up, I forget to update the blog!<br /><br /> Last year ended on a really high note. In <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">December</span>, we finally met and worked out a battle plan. We met our three newest members, Bekki, Dave, and Jenn, and we sat down to do some major brainstorming. As it works out, it payed off! Our first big investigation of the year was at the Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Baraboo</span></span> Inn. We're STILL reviewing that information (three weeks later) since it was an overnight investigation, and we let the equipment run all night. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">That's</span> 6 cameras, 6 recorders, and 4 digital cameras, not to mention all the emf and temp readings! Over 16 hours worth! From roughly 6pm until 10am the next day! Over all, it was a success. We ran into a few trip-ups but over all, the team did pretty well and we worked through everything really well.<br /><br /> Our current <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">project</span> is one I started months ago, and has finally come around to being a reality. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Campbellsport</span></span> Inn, formerly the old Amber Inn of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Campbellsport</span></span>. Rumors are abound of the former owner still haunting the place in a light-hearted way, playing tricks and trying to be noticed. We were given the AMAZING opportunity to test out the trigger object theory with a very personal item of the late "Mush" Bauer himself, and one cannot imagine a better way to test the object unless I had his personal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">underwear</span>! Mr. Bauer was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">legend</span> in his own right, tipping the scales at nearly 800 pounds and being in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Guinness</span> Book of World Records for being the largest bartender and hotel operator in the world! Hundreds of friends, family, and fans came to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Campbellsport</span></span> just to see Mr. Bauer, and we hope hundreds MORE come back to check out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Campbellsport</span> Inn's</span> menu and fine bar! During the month of February, the chair will be there open to the public for viewing. Hopefully the little bit of PR we can bring him will draw attention to his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">business</span> and kick-start the economy in town a bit! ;)<br /><br /> And up next is...oh, wait! I can't spill that just yet! But it's going to be big, and new, and quite public soon enough! We also have another 4 business investigations pending for a date and a handful of private homes pending as well. Not to mention our usual lineup of annual appearances and events, including the 2012 Phantoms of Fond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">du</span> Lac! Last year, your support helped us raise OVER $20,000 for the Solutions Center (and there-by kept the homeless shelter open last winter!) and the Fond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">du</span> Lac Historical Society! he support and funds were much needed and well received throughout the community, and I anticipate this year to be bigger, better, longer, scarier, and just as much fun! We're opening more buildings, have a bigger budget, and a bigger crew already!<br /><br /> I cannot express my thanks to everyone who made last year, and this year, possible for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">KMPI</span>. From the people who supported me emotionally and believed in my crazy ideas, to the people who gave me the kick in the butt I needed to pour my heart and soul (and what was left of our bank account!) into the event. I personally thank you all.<br /><br /> Look for more from me this year, I'm going to try to update this blog weekly, if not bi-weekly. Hopefully some topic will pop up for me to go on! ;)kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-83788230446717139332011-09-14T16:50:00.000-05:002011-09-14T16:50:48.819-05:00Hooray for New BeginningsWe're starting to get quite excited about Phantoms of FDL. As it starts to grow around us, we're getting glimpses of how great it can be. Hopefully we can get everything to work out and we can raise money for the FDL Historical Society and the Solutions Center!<br />
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We're going to begin the set-up on Monday, Sept. 19th. Each day we're getting new activities together or finding new sponsors. It's quite exciting. Besides the Haunted Village, there will also be Sherman the Friendly Dragon. And on Sundays there will be pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts, things for sale, and other activities in the works. Our website is changing every few days, so be sure to check it out at <a href="http://www.phantomsoffdl.com/">www.phantomsoffdl.com</a>. ALSO, 'like' us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Phantoms-of-Fond-du-Lac/237564589615269">here</a>. There will be news only shared through social media that you will want to know!<br />
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Next week we will be working on interviews for local newspapers about the event. Be sure to keep a lookout on the papers in the FDL area to see if you can spot the articles about Phantoms and KMPI.<br />
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Phantoms is keeping us immensely busy, so we've been slow on investigations right now. We know it will pick up again right after Halloween and can't wait to try out some new things.<br />
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We apologize for any negativity that had to be witnessed on this blog. We're choosing to put it all in the past where it was before it was dredged back up. We have so many exciting things going on right now that we don't have time for such foolishness.<br />
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We will post more news and updates as it becomes available!<br />
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P.S. - Michael will be at the screening of season 2 of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paranormal-Generation/152014324819074">Paranormal Generation </a>tomorrow night at 7 pm at Brookfield Public Library. It should be fun, so be sure to check it out if you can. If you can't make it, you can always catch episodes online as they are available.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-749942724830755032011-08-14T03:03:00.000-05:002011-08-14T03:06:23.212-05:00Review of Ghost Radar app for AndroidWe've been playing around with the free Ghost Radar app for Android devices for a couple of months now. You might be wondering how it works. Here's what the company that made it says:<br />
<blockquote><i>Ghost Radar is a portable application designed to detect paranormal activity. Currently supported portable devices include the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, BlackBerry and Android devices. Ghost Radar attempts to detect paranormal activity by using various sensors on the device on which it is running. Like traditional paranormal detecting equipment Ghost Radar employs sensors that measure electromagnetic fields, vibrations, and sounds. However, traditional paranormal equipment can be easily fooled when simple mundane bursts of normal electromagnetic fields, vibrations and sounds occur. Ghost Radar sets itself apart by analyzing the readings from sensors giving indications only when interesting patterns in the readings have been made.</i><br />
<i>Ghost Radar employs a proprietary algorithm to analyze the quantum flux. This application does NOT detect EMF nor gravity. Readings for various sensors are analyzed to detect QUANTUM Fluctuations. Interpretations of the sensor readings are displayed graphically as blips on the radar along with numeric and textual readouts on the VOX. Use your Ghost Radar to hunt for odd changes in the flux. Hunters of all types may find anomalous areas of their environment where readings simply can't be explained. You be the judge. Are the results of your hunting evidence of paranormal activity?</i><br />
<i>The theory of what is happening is that intelligent energy can be made aware of their ability to influence the sensors of the mobile device. The various readouts are an interpretation of certain readings from the sensors. An intelligent energy should be able to influence the readouts and communicate with you. What those readings mean and how you interpret them is up for debate. </i></blockquote>You can find out more about it on the company site, <a href="http://spudpickles.com/">spudpickles.com</a>. <br />
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The first time we tried to use it, we had some amazing results. We were checking out a local cemetery (DISCLAIMER: We were there during the OPEN hours. Please ALWAYS follow the posted rules of places you investigate!) Both Michael and I figured the app was just a game and wouldn't be worth it. But I turned it on anyways. I watched 'blobs' show up on the screen, but nothing else happened. I held it for fifteen minutes and it did nothing for me except show blobs of color.<br />
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I handed it to Michael, exasperated with it. I told him it was a waste of time. He figured he would try it out as well just to make sure before we scratched it off the list of useful tools.<br />
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Well, what do you know, it starts talking for him. At first it just seemed like random words that made no sense. Then he started trying to figure it out. It said 'congress', 'deadly', and 'chemical'. He found a grave near an American flag, the last name being a different spelling of a chemical that could kill. The app kept on talking, and mentioned 'money' and 'animal'. He figured it was gibberish again, but then saw a statue of a lamb, and right in front of it was a quarter. The app said 'take' and when he went to walk away, it told him 'fail'.<br />
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All of this can be just written off as coincidence, but it was really weird to see. It did NOTHING for me, but then led Michael to money. It seemed to respond to his replies as well.<br />
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So, we decided that the app could *possibly* hold some merit. We have added it, and an Ovilus, to our inventory. We use them, but realize they may not be reliable and we should always back up any findings with other forms of evidence.<br />
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Since that awesome experience, the app is just spouting off gibberish to us. We haven't been able to make sense out of anything said like we were that day. Interestingly enough, though, it still barely responds to me. When I'm holding it or near it, it talks very little. When Michael has it, it becomes a little 'chatterbox' (slight pun intended LOL).<br />
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Our recommendation? Try it out if you have a device that supports it. But don't put too much stock into it. It's extremely likely that you might put meaning to words that it gives you, making something out of what is most likely nothing. BUT it's also possible that it might actually work some time. Hey, it's free. And the paid app (with a bit more to it) is really cheap. So it would be silly to not give it a chance and add it to the tools that you already use.<br />
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Next up to review will be the Ovilus after we've had more time playing with it. We have an exciting investigation coming up next week, so we'll see how it performs then. ;)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-86664798679898086552011-08-14T02:42:00.000-05:002011-08-19T16:11:36.402-05:00Been a while...So much going on! I barely know where to start! I don't blog as much as I should, I've been involved in so many projects as of late, I've hardly had time to check emails. I'm about 2 days behind I think! <br />
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As posted to the website, we have two new members, and Jack is returning as our history buff. The work Jack does takes a HUGE strain off my back, and I'm grateful for it. Jim and Deb, the two of them are a blessing and asset to the group. They're both a little new at ghost hunting, but they're proof that old dogs young at heart can STILL teach me a thing or two! ;) <br />
Jims a little more proficient and up to date on technology, and it's where he shines. Deb seems to know her way around the spiritual side of things. They remind me of Sarah and I a lot! <br />
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So...big news. I consulted with Meadow Brook farms. Ricks putting on a good show, and with some solid advice and a little muscle from me, got things off to a good start! The haunted cornfield is going to be great this year, I highly recommend you check it out! <br />
http://www.meadowbrookfun.com/hauntedcornfield.php For more info. Should turn out to be worth the money! One of the "houses" out there, I helped build by hand. Kind of like a barn raising...with power tools! You'll have to check out my handiwork in the craft department too...just watch for spiders...you cant miss it. <br />
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And in BIGGER news...we got a call back last month, end of july...and KMPI is OFFICIALLY putting on a haunted house....wait...no...thats not right. We're oficially haunting a VILLAGE. The entire Galloway house and village, in Fond Du Lac, WI, to be exact. I'm not even sure how it happened, but it did just a few weeks ago. The name is pending, but the dates will be every friday and saturday in october, and sundays will be for the children. There are scavenger hunts, prizes, pumpkin carvings courtesy of Tami's Berry Farm (and possibly other donors), candy, costume contests...it's a big deal. I've been given a lot of freedom in this (and a decent spending account!) and plan to let me creativity fly! The props are coming along, and the maps and scripting are done. Soon, will come the HARD part...DOING it all. Luckily, I have a full arsenal of volunteers at my disposal. <br />
And the best part? The proceeds are going not only to the Galloway house and village, but to the Solutions Center of Fond du Lac. And they're one of those places that, for what they stand for, holds a special place in my heart. I actually feel really good about what we're doing this year. It's going to be a lot of work and sweat and tears and Mt. Dew (whom is NOT an official sponsor), but we'll get it done! <br />
Website should be done in a couple weeks for the event. I'll letcha know when we get the bugs worked out! <br />
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As for the paranormal side of things...we have a small buisness in the works, two private residences to be done sometime in November/December, and an old school up near New London which reportedly has a lot of activity. Next week, we're going to be going to a private property, which has an Indian burial ground and medicine wheel and meditation area in tact, as well as some sort of alter and what not. There is reported to be LOTS of weird sightings and noises from the hill. Outdoor locations can be difficult, so it's a good challenge and training exercise for my team! (And yes, we're bringing good quality tobacco for an offering!) I cant reveal the location of the property, but I will post whatever we find! <br />
In the meanwhile, we checked out Greenville cemetery, and a cemetery over in Elmore, both in the daytime, during open hours, and both with the utmost respect for the memorials. Greenville was imposing at first, but once inside, everything went calm and peaceful. A "ghost hunting app" on a smart phone actually led me, by clues and instructions, to a small cache of money hidden from sight! Still not sure what to make of that! <br />
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Other news...KMPI now has an ovilusX, EM Pump, several new cameras and recorders, and several other new tools at our disposal. We're sort of in the testing phase for these, and once we determine if they're good for what we need and learn to correctly use them, we'll be on our way! <br />
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Thanks to everyone who showed us support over the last year. We had a slight bump in the road but sometimes, you are given challenges so that you can overcome them and become better because of them. My wife's diligence, my new teams' support and faith, and my rock-hard stubbornness has seen us thru the murky waters and we're back, and better than ever! kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-61359266526019362992011-02-13T11:11:00.000-06:002011-02-13T11:11:23.432-06:00Working on New Site!Our new improved site is in the works. I JUST started classes in web site design so I am designing this from the roots up. So please be patient as I get this working. If you find any mistakes, please point them out to us so that we can fix them.<br />
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For now, it will be a fairly simple site until I learn more and can do more, so don't expect too much. ;)<br />
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As I'm working on it, you can view it here: <a href="http://www.sarahlea-designs/kmpi">www.sarahlea-designs/kmpi</a> Once it is finished, it will move to our domain name.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-3227209278236820732010-05-09T22:22:00.000-05:002010-05-10T09:57:16.278-05:00Red GraniteThis blog update is going to serve as a basic run down of info for the red granite locations results, as it will for many of our investigations.<br /><br />Our first investigation started back mid-summer last year, we went to this home knowing only objects were moved and footsteps heard, not much else. The home was about 100 years old, with only one possible case of death on site, but the basement is basically a large hole carved in granite. Granite is an igneous rock, one known to hold minute charges of energy, as well as hold radiation for extended periods of time. This would cause any high-levels of EMFs to remain long after the source is extinguished, and thus, prolong the effects it could have on the biology of the people living on it. The families heat, their water, their electricity, all comes thru the basement walls, and into their home. The home sits mere metres from a granite excavation site.<br /><br />This families claims were unlike any others we have had. While many have reported apparitions, or voices...this was solely movement, a few noises (footsteps, mimicing crashing or popping sounds, and grunting). True PK activity related to, and only to, poltergeist-like hauntings, are extraordinarly rare and so I was happy to try to catch this activity on tape, or at least find a logical explaination for it!<br /><br />The first visit was conducted as normal, we had a new DVR system with NO monitor due to a defunct cord, so we had to aim the cameras by sight and pray. it actually turned out quite well! High EMFs were located in all the usual suspect spots, no other jumps in abnormal activity were noted. EVP sessions came out clean, except for a few questionable items, and thermal scans showed the temps to be also as expected. colder in the basement, warmer upstairs, cooler by the windows.<br />The weather was stormy/windy/raining.<br /><br />Upon our return visit, there were a few items I wanted to re-evaluate and a new technique or two I wanted to try out. Nothing came out of it, and we were unable to do much, due to the homeowners being present and having a party downstairs at the time.<br /><br />After reviewing the data, I honestly think that much of what the homeowners experience is natural things. Boomboxes that start themselves were noted to be wired by hand, and often ungrounded. A RC car that "was not charged" was found to have a good chunk of battery power left, powered up fine for us, and the door lock....well...teenagers...heh. Boys will be boys.<br /><br />I believe the pets may play a part in the TVs turning on and off, and the volume going up and down. I noted the pets up and down off the furniture and up and down the steps and basement several times both nights.<br /><br />I also believe the "steps" or "thumping" heard to be the tail on the bearded dragon as it beats on the glass of the aquarium. I noted this several times the second night on the camera.<br /><br />All in all, a sad end to a promising investigation, but hopefully the owners can sleep better at night!kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-14940598109832475062010-05-09T22:01:00.000-05:002010-05-10T10:02:23.448-05:00I'm back...I've been tossing around the idea of writing this for awhile now...just tough to formulate things into words.<br />I worry constantly about my group, and overall, I admit the toll it's taken on my health is sometimes questionable. The hours I put into it, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">the</span> money I spend on it I probably could, or should, spend on better medicine for myself, or meat for the freezer, or better brands of dog food...I guess I kinda put myself out there, totally, in everything I do. The paranormal has been no different.<br />But my worry for my group, is I wonder sometimes if we're doing enough...if maybe I should just put more effort into it. I worry about this, every spring, when the slow season hits...idle hands are the devil's playground, and my shoulders are burdened enough without the worry of doubt, you know? But <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">KMPI</span> has always stood for helping people. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">that's</span> what we do. We help. I haven't had contact with many other groups <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">lately</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">that have</span> been out for anything other than self-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">indulgence</span>. Constant "territories" and "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">allegiances</span>" being formed, I fear sometimes we're going to be left behind in this movement...but remaining small has allowed us to make big moves under the radar of others. So also, growing bigger worries me a bit too!<br /><br />The activities of other groups does not go unnoticed to me, part of the many hours I remain awake on end, sometimes sleeping only 2 hours a night. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">KMPI</span> has been planning so much, and so many things come up, and so much falls through, it's difficult to keep up sometimes.<br /><br />But my big issue is I take much of this on alone...and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">shouldn'</span>t, I know, but I do. I've always been that way. My family life was different from my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">wife's</span>, and I am very much alone in this world, even when I am surrounded by my friends, my family, and my fellow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">KMPI</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ers</span>. I'm not anti-social, I'm just introverted, I guess, to a degree, and many people <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">don't</span> know half of what goes on in my head.<br /><br />I have, at the gentle nudges of my team, decided to become a better leader. And to do that,I am, in part, opening an arrow-slit of a window into my soul in this blog, that my group and others my see me as I am. I'm going to be a better leader by getting on top of things, by keeping my team in order, by staying on top of and ahead of the game on technology and information. But more than that...I am going to become a better leader by allowing my team to be a team...not a group of individuals working in unison...I want us to come together as a mini-family of sorts, I want one hand to know where the other is, and what it's going to do before he or she knows it. I am going to be a better leader by letting go of my damned pride, and by hopefully not trying to take on the world by myself! And hopefully, you'll all forgive me if you think I didn't believe in each and every one of you, because I do. And I want you to believe in you also...and someday...maybe learn to believe in me a little too! ;)<br /><br />These last few years have been tough for me, I've made many changed in my life and the transitions have been less than pleasant internally...but as I gear into what I love, and whats important to me, I want to become more structured, less cluttered, both internally and externally...and I intend to dedicate myself to the paranormal, instead of dedicating the paranormal to me.<br />So many people have questions, concerns, experiences. I want to be the difference in peoples lives once again. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">don't</span> want my group to be "just another group" I want to stand out, and I want to do it, if possible, without the cut-throat tactics, the conspiring, and the showmanship that has gone on for so long. I owe every ounce of integrity that I have left to my family, and my team. I have assumed the leadership of this team, and with your help, I wont let you down.<br />So line up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">ya'll</span>....I'm gonna need a good kick in the rear end to get me going!kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-14315336732710905922010-04-26T07:19:00.000-05:002010-04-26T08:01:36.214-05:00Hello from another KMPI memberI'm honored to be asked to contribute to the official blog for KMPI. My name is Kellie and I've been with KMPI since 2006. I love this group, the co-founders Mike and Sarah have become dear friends to me as well as Scott and "Little" Mike. We're like a family. We've expanded to include a new member whom I just met the other night, her name is Tanya. She comes to us from my hometown, Milwaukee.<br /><br />We recently (a few nights ago) had an investigation in Red granite, WI. This was the second time we had been to this location. The first time we went, a few members got EVP's that were unexplainable and we talked about going back, then the group received emails from the home owners that more activity was going on. So a second investigation was decided.<br /><br />In going back we really wanted to make sure that we got a really good and thorough investigation in because there were unanswered things from the last time and A LOT of new happenings going on this time. All of the evidence hasn't been reviewed so I don't have a lot of things to post about it yet but all in all it went over OK. I was so excited because I've learned more about setting up the equipment and i think with a few more times I just may be able to do it by myself. Yay me. lol<br /><br />Why go back a second time? I know that there are some that are one hit wonders. They go to a place, deem it haunted or not and are done with it. There are just times when the unanswered questions nag at you. This is what it's all about. A good investigator (in my mind at least) should be willing to help anyone understand and if it takes 50 times then it takes that. OK, that's a little extreme but you get my point. : )<br /><br />Well I just to say hi, update what we're up to and hopefully get this blog going to be more active. There will be lots more especially once we get closer to Halloween and the haunted house we do.<br /><br />hauntingly yours,<br /><br />KellieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-87996377126456073662010-04-22T23:22:00.000-05:002010-04-22T23:46:57.811-05:00Neglected, but not forgotten!I forgot my wife started this! I promise not to forget it again.<br /><br />So much to say, I worry about time and space and me rambeling off on some wild tangent. <br />Sarah's always been the push to get me into new things, and for that I am grateful. KMPI is made up of alot of members of our team, some of whom will be allowed to blog here ;)<br /><br />Not much about me, I'm going to keep this to KMPI's story, but awhile back, I sorta lost me passion for it. 7 years or so, and we just kept heading into empty leads, dead ends, peering over tapes and hours of audo of nothing...and the one day, POOF I'm at work, and the words "Boesowetter" pop into my head. I had forgotten, but that was my grandmothers maiden name (on my step-fathers side) and little beknowest to me, but she had just died early that morning.<br /> Interestingly enough, my cousin, one of her last visitors, she said to him "The guy here, he says "goodbye, sly guy Bri. He keeps saying that. Sly guy bri." Now, anyone who knows, knows that my grandpa called my cousin brian that, and no one called him that since grandpa died. While I have often heard (and SEEN) people come to visit someone shortly before their death (in fact, I encountered this in my friends grandfathers home...his wife was in the chair be his bedside when I arrived) my grandmotheres case was special, because her death, was accidental. She was in decent health, but that very same night, she slipped, even though she had two nurses aiding her, in the bathroom, and died as a result of head injury. <br /> Now, one rule I have, is I never mix family and my studies of the paranormal. It scares me terribly, to be honest, but this one, this lit my fire. If our loved ones could SENSE that our time was upon us, they could come just before our death, sure...but if in fact, our fates are not our own...then was this timing some sort of intervention by a higher being? Was my grandmother fated to go that day, at that hour? Are we all fated to die before we are even born? Such questions are a heavy burden I carry around with me. I keep searching for answers, physical answers to spiritual occurances, and all I walk away with are the nightmares of the questions I never even thought I would ask?<br /><br />But it also left me with a renewed sense of intrigue. I now want these answers more than ever...I want to not only prove that these things happen, I want to show the world...and more than that, I want to show the world HOW, and WHY they happen. I want to show people that it's ok to experience this stuff, that it doesnt make you a sinner, or sick, or mentally ill...that in many cases, it's not even paranormal....just...extra-normal!<br /><br />In a few days, my team goes to revisit a location in Red Granite claiming to have one of the weirder cases I have had yet...instead of full-bodied or partial appatitions, instead of mists, or shadows, all they have in objects being moved, thrown, and manipulated. Last time, we conducted the investigation as normal, but this time, due to their claims of increased activity, I am going to attempt to record a new sort of phenomena...I am going to see if I can get something to manipulate something that responds to bio-electric and current-flowing energy...which, if it works, will show ghosts are not only real in a sense of being "real", but show they are "real" as in "physically stable elements of energy" in a way. Not that they'll need their own SSI card or driver liscense or be required to pay taxes or anything (I think I just heard the IRS sh*t a brick somewhere) but maybe give way to a bit of leinance twords the activities people experience. <br /><br />Gonna be a tough one. I'll update within a week and we'll see how it goes. I hope to keep this going throught the year, and keep the world informed of KMPIs activities !kmparanormalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070469177995498111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314089087077279677.post-68659279504752112422010-01-21T12:56:00.000-06:002010-01-21T13:06:18.119-06:00New Year, New BlogI figured having a central place to blog about KMPI happenings would help KMPI out. My husband can't update the website as frequently as needed, and sadly I don't have the time either. But blogging is quicker and easier. ;) So hopefully this can stay more current than the website is.<br /><br />Onto news! KMPI was just featured in the January 20th issue of the West Bend Daily News. We will add the scanned article either into this blog or the website soon. The article was about the investigation recently held at the old jailhouse in Washington County with raffle winners. The raffle was held at the Halloween event that KMPI helps the Washington County Historical Society with. It should be noted that a few things were missing/lost in translation in the article. We'll post about that in another blog entry.<br /><br />Second bit of news is KMPI is possibly expanding. We're looking at possibly having a Milwaukee area branch. Stay tuned to our site to see if this does go through and see the possible addition of new member(s)!<br /><br />That's it for now! We live busy lives...KMPI is only a small part of them since it's totally non-profit. ;)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500798984246395264noreply@blogger.com0