American Seekers Issue1 by STEVEN WHITE

Letter to the Editor Dear American Seekers, I am writing this letter today because I recently had a paranormal investigative team come into my home to help me with some things I was experiencing myself and could not handle on my own anymore . It was no longer just myself witnessing these occurrences, but my son James and boyfriend Ron as well . This is how it all started . A couple years ago me and my boyfriend decided to buy our first home together. We had been looking for so long prior to finding "the perfect house ." The place was beautiful and very well kept for a home that was built in the early 1900's. It was very close to both of our jobs, so we thought it was perfect. We began to move in immediately. My son wanted the bedroom at the top of the stairs because he wanted his privacy. Things were still going pretty normal at this point. One day I was doing some laundry in the laundry room. I began to look out the window as I heard a slight commotion from the neighbor's dogs outside , when I thought I saw someone walking past the doorway. I didn't find it too odd because my son was home as well . I finished loading the dryer and went on about my cleaning tasks. My son came down a bit later, so I told him I was sorry for not talking to him earlier when he came down to the laundry room. He told me that he had been upstairs the entire time . Time continued on and so did our lives. Ron began working some later hours, so the night time was usually just me and my son . One night while we was relaxing and watching TV, we noticed that the light in the kitchen had shut off. I figured the light bulb had burned out and asked James to go change it. "It is not burned out mom," he said . "The light switch is turned off!" I still couldn't figure out how that could have happened . I sat up all night trying to figure that out . The weekend came where Ron and myself were looking forward to spending time together. James comes running down the stairs into the living room. "Mom! Mom! Something touched me ," he said hysterically. Ron told him he was imagining it and to stop being silly. I could tell that my son was not lying to us. That night, after Ron fell asleep on the sofa, James and myself decided to try to communicate with whoever was here in our house . We began to record our questions with a voice recorder like those guys on TV use . We really didn't think we would even catch any voices other than our own . One of the questions we asked was " what do you want from us?" Upon listening to the recorder there was another voice that had said "you'll see ." It almost made me pee my pants when I heard that. We decided to go share this with my boyfriend . As we reached the living room, Ron was sitting up and sweating like I have never seen before . He told us that he saw a black mass standing in front of him when he woke up. Ron was more of a believer after that. We had a team come in and they not only could back up our experiences, they helped us to deal with the activity in way that kept my family from living in fear. They actually still call to check on us from time to time . Anyway, that meant the world to my family. Thanks, Susan Davis 2

AMERICAN SEEKERS

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

GHOSTS OF NEW ORLEANS The Teams

WOMEN OF THE PARANORMAL UNTAPPED HOT SPOTS

IS YOUR HOME HAUNTED?

MATTOON INVESTIGATIONS of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Seeking answers to all of your Paranormal Questions

http://mattoonparanormal.yolasite.com/

Illinois Metaphysical and Paranormal Society Helping those in need is how we succeed.

http://www.teamimps.com/

http://www.ghoststop.com/ 4

SEEKERS

AMERICAN SEEKERS

EDITORIAL shadow people.…

oday I thought I would write about a phenomenon that has fascinated me for years. A couple years ago I witnessed seeing for the first time what was a black form that was moving around in the living room of the house I live in presently. I actually captured this unshapely black mass on a webcam I had converted to Infra Red. As I watched this shadow block out the walls behind it as it came into view of the camera I had to replay it over and over. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was this a shadow figure I have heard so much about? I believe so. Since that day I have seen on a few occasions the same type of dark, shadowy figure at a few investigations. What is a shadow figure? Is it an apparition? Is it a demon? There are many theories out there about these shadow beings. I personally believe that when living beings pass onto another state of consciousness, the energy of that being goes through many different stages that they appear to us in. These stages vary depending on how long they

Steven White have been passed on. The shadow type figure is just one of the stages. Other investigators will have their own theory of what a shadow person is, and the mere fact is, we don’t know 100 percent what they really are. I have never been attacked or even felt threatened by a shadow figure. I know many people that have showed fear upon seeing these beings. I understand it can be said that shadow figures are just a play of the darkness and our eyes adjusting to it, but I have seen these in the dark, in the light, and caught on IR. To sum this up a bit better, shadow people are like any other phenomenon in the paranormal world. ‘Just above the normal.’ Another interesting bit of information is that many people see movement out of the corner of their eyes, which could be because we only see black and white from the corners, but a number of people have claimed to have seen these bodies of shadows straight on and not from the corners of eyes. I can only base off of what I have personally seen. 1

The Midwest Ghost Society

I (Michelle) founded the group in December of 2010. It was a couple of months before my first couple of responses came of interest in the group. We now have 4 full time investigators, 5 part time investigators and one new candidate in the works. All of my members have interest in the paranormal but have not been a part of paranormal investigation team in the past and are continually gaining experience which we are acquiring together. It just happened that way. We are based out of Hinckley, IL. That is between Aurora and Dekalb. We have investigated Sag Bridge Cemetery in Lemont, West Big Rock Cemetery in Big Rock, St. Joseph Cemetery in Manteno, as well as the Morse Mill Hotel in Hillsboro, Missouri and just completed our first residential investigation a couple weeks ago. We also will travel. We have two trips to Iowa planned and a trip back to Morse Mill in Missouri still this year. We also will be investigating Blood’s Point Cemetery in Belvedere and Senator Humphrey's house in Orland Park. We use the traditional scientific method of investigating. Our equipment consists of EMF meters, recorders, ghost box, cameras, full spectrum camera, etc. I do plan to expand to a DVR system although currently I haven’t had the funds to do so. We enjoy working with other teams and have currently only had the opportunity to work with one, Forgotten Souls Paranormal out of Missouri. 1

“We are continually gaining experience which we are acquiring together.” TEAM MEMBERS Michelle Strelak Founder and Case Manager John Investigator Kerri Investigator Ryan Investigator Amanda Lead Investigator Ray Investigator Chris Investigator Alix Investigator in training Kelly Investigator in training

Contact info: www.midwestghostsociety.com

Mid Illinois Ghost Society (MIGS) Mid Illinois Ghost Society (MIGS) was founded in April of 2006 by Jennifer Fruchtl and Alicia Morgason. MIGS is based out of Bethany, Illinois, but covers all of central Illinois. We are a small group of individuals that share an interest in the unknown. Although we may not all always share the same ideas and beliefs, we work together as a group (along with other small groups in our area as well as throughout the United States) in researching and trying to better understand the unexplained. When called to investigate a location with claims of paranormal activity, it is our goal to find answers for our clients. We do our best to work with our clients and bring them answers to their questions. We will listen to the clients with an open-minded attitude. Our team will take each case of reported paranormal activity and use equipment to monitor the reported area. The team will try to determine the cause of the activity doing our very best to find a logical explanation before ever suggesting anything paranormal could be the cause. We are trying to find proof of the paranormal but acknowledge and respect the fact that most cases have a reasonable and logical explanation - unrelated to anything paranormal. That is why our group exists, however, we will ALWAYS go into an investigation seeking the truth rather than “hoping to find a ghost”. We want to bring peace of mind to our clients and give them some answers for what they are experiencing in their home or place of business. MIGS has investigated several private residence with reported paranormal activity. In addition, we have investigated a few commercial businesses. MIGS is the official paranormal group for Ashmore Estates (formerly the Coles County Poor Farm), a local paranormal “hot spot” with many claims of paranormal activity. We pride ourselves in the research we do for the locations we investigate. Our research team has uncovered several important facts on residents that previously lived in the Coles County Poor Farm - information of which had never before been found by other researchers (never published by another group nor presented to the owners of Ashmore Estates). In May, 2011, six of the MIGS team members were interviewed by the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.” The Ghost Adventures crew did an investigation of Ashmore Estates, and the episode should air in September. MIGS has also been interviewed twice by the News Progress in Sullivan. 1

In May, 2011, six of the MIGS team members were interviewed by the Tr avel C hannel’s “Ghost Adventures.”

Mattoon Investigations of Paranormal Activity otherwise known as MIPA began their adventures as a group in 2009. Founded by Steven and Katherine White along with the addition with their son Jacob and fellow investigator Dave Bales completes this well seasoned paranormal quartet.

shared with us that she prefers to be on this side of the Based in Coles County, Illinois, but our team is investigation because it helps the team when analyzing always willing to go where the people that need our claims of paranormal activity. “If investigators don’t help are. We handle each and every case with the upmost discretion and always try challenge every possible natural cause “ We a l l b r i n g when investigating the paranormal, then to ensure that our client’s fears every house out there would be haunted,” have been removed. We feel that no one should be afraid in their own something to the explained Katherine. “We all bring something to the table and in the end home or business. Once that initial fear has been eliminated, then the table and in the end the client will have the truth no matter if it even means that we debunked every investigation can begin. the client will have claim.” We base our investigations as Our protocols are followed closely scientifically and skeptical as possible, the truth ” and are outlined to not only ensure but also utilize experiences and our own senses as well. Lead investigator and Founder professionalism and safety, but also keep us from making many mistakes which we are very proud of. We love to Steven White says, “people have been investigating the spiritual realm for many years and at a point in work along side of other teams and encourage others to do so as well. You just might learn something that you time, they didn’t have all the tools we have available would have never thought of otherwise. 1 today. That didn’t stop them from having experiences and it shouldn’t keep a team from being open to all Website: http://mattoonparanormal.yolasite.com/ experiences.” Katherine is the full skeptic of the team. She has

Find us on Facebook

e g t e n ” g d r y

y e g o o u

Ghosts and Gold Historic Villa Rica Ghost Kickoff Tour Special Event Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters International on Syfy

Meet & Greet 5:00-7:00 pm Tour 7:30-9:30 pm Q&A 9:30-10:30 pm M&G+Tour+Q&A=$60 Tour+Q&A=$50, M&G=$40 ($45 at the door for M&G) Tickets are now on sale at wartimeparanormal.yolasite.com

Need something fun to do this fall season? Why not come spend the evening with Dustin Pari from Syfy’s Ghost Hunters International, Wartime Paranormal’s Jessica Johns and Allison Williams and guests. You also get to see the historic site of America’s first gold rush Villa Rica, Georgia.

h W P O A w i P P

d m r a o

A o L w o q

A h L h a s o

A p fa L r r

A m y s 10

GHOSTS OF

NEW ORLEANS

by: Steven White

We are a Paranormal group here in the city of New Orleans. We are called New Orleans Paranormal Investigations. Our Members include Dawn, Angelle, Amanda and Lisa and we have conducted several i nv e s t i g a t i o n s at My r t l e s Plantation and the Rose down Plantation. We believe New Orleans is definitely more haunted than most cities just because of the rich history we have, the places are very old and deal with a lot of voodoo.

The techniques are just about the same as everyone else we do just about the same as every other group. Our favorite places to investigate are the haunted mortuary and I love Magnolia Lane Plantation. One of our members Dawn is a psychic training on her abilities she is getting better with each case. I have a twin sister and when we go on cases together we both are very sensitive and our abilities just click. We love New Orleans and encourage

American Seekers: What are your group’s theories on what a ghost is? Lisa: Ghost we don’t know if they truly exist we want believe that they do but sometimes on Investigations we get nothing so we ask the question do they really exist?? American Seekers: What is the difference in a haunting, and paranormal activity in your opinion? Lisa: A Haunting is when something keeps haunting the same place and recurring over and over again! Paranormal activity is when something or someone moves objects or tries to get your attention on something! American Seekers: How do you feel about paranormal TV shows in general? Do you feel they fake evidence for better ratings? Lisa: I definitely believe they fake evidence for ratings I don’t watch them anymore it’s all for ratings American Seekers: I see you have multiple members that are sensitive on your team. Does your team investigate more by feelings or more by scientific means?

a lot of paranormal groups to come check us out. One of Lisa’s role models in this business is Brian Harnois. He used to be on Ghost Hunters. He is my inspiration to do what I do everyday he is the king of paranormal I should say. On every investigation I go on I look up to him as he has helped me out a lot. American Seekers managed to track down this all girl team and managed to interview Lisa and this is what she had to say:

Lisa: I would say more by feelings and visions we pick up on certain visions and feelings when we enter the room. American Seekers: Do you find better evidence during night investigations versus daytime investigations? Lisa: It really doesn’t matter the time of day we can do both and get the same amount of activity. American Seekers: How long have you been a ghost hunter? Lisa: I have been a ghost hunter for about 3 years now but have been interested in the paranormal since I was about 13. American Seekers: Why did you become a ghost hunter? Lisa: I have had experiences when I was a child of seeing and hearing things and knowing different things before my family would know them, so I have just wanted to find out some more answers concerning the paranormal. American Seekers: What is your favorite tool for ghost hunting? 11

Lisa: I love the K2 meter. American Seekers: What is your favorite scary movie? Lisa: Amityville Horror American Seekers: Do demons exist in real life? Lisa: I believe they do. American Seekers: What is your opinion about orbs? Lisa: Orbs are just dust. [Lisa Chuckles] American Seekers: What is the most dangerous investigation your team has been involved with? Lisa: Dangerous we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really had any dangerous investigations yet one of the most creepiest was Magnolia Lane Plantation. American Seekers: What is the best and worst part of ghost hunting? Lisa: Best part about ghost hunting is getting to find answers and solve things if they interact with you. The worst thing is if someone would get hurt on an investigation. American Seekers: Does your team investigate cemeteries at night? Lisa: No! 1

CONTACT INFO: MYSPACE:

http://www.myspace.com/neworleansparanormal

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-OrleansParanormal-Investigations/189923861062294

HIPS was founded in August 2007, serving Illinois and has been providing paranormal investigations, ghost hunting, and paranormal advice at no cost. We are a fact based group that uses technology to aid us in the search for paranormal activity, ghosts, and haunted locations. CH.I.P.S. is not limited to the Central Illinois area and has recently opened a Chicago Office. We are always looking for potential sites to investigate. If you are located in Illinois, and would like to be a member of our group, please email us. Chicago area angie.edwards@chipsgroup.com All other areas of Illinois z.stinson@chipsgroup.com 1

t's creepy appearance from the outside, with help from local legends and stories, has kept many from venturing into this building. 14

ASHMORE ESTATES TERROR OF COLES COUNTY

by: Steven White

shmore Estates has been a building that has been both feared and fascinated local residents for many years now. What was once a home to those who just could not afford to keep themselves alive on their own is now only a shell of memories of a time once past. It's creepy appearance from the outside, with help from local legends and stories, has kept many from venturing into this building. Now this is not to say that it hasn't had their share of people breaking in to the building, but with the watchful of local law enforcement, that has not been as bad of an issue. The building was built in 1916 on what was then part of the Coles County poor farm. In 1959, the building was purchased by Ashmore Estates to be used as a private psychiatric hospital by the same name. I was used for this purpose until 1987 when Ashmore Estates had to close its doors. It then sat abandoned until sometime in 2006. In August 2006 Scott Kelley purchased Ashmore Estates with plans of turning the building into a haunted attraction. Local legends have been around for years that the place was haunted long before the new owner even thought of buying the building. The haunted attraction is only offered in October. The rest of the time, the building can be investigated by groups or anyone can choose to go on a flashlight tour of the building if you just want a glimpse of the inside. A handful of paranormal investigators have ventured into the building both at daytime and nighttime hours. Some have captured evidence of the buildings activity in such media as audio, video, photographic, as well as readings from scientific tools used. I have even been fortunate enough to investigate the building myself in November of 2010. Members of Paranormal Investigations of Midwest America and a group named Mid Illinois Ghost Society and myself all teamed to investigate the property. I think everyone had personal experiences that night,

but the real gem of my part of the investigation was a couple of the EVPs (Electronic voice phenomena) that I had captured. My favorite was one captured on the main floor walking around the nurses desk there. I was alone at this point in time (or so I thought), but upon reviewing the audio, I had captured a voice whispering "get those motherfuckers to get out!" At another point, I had also recorded loud bangs coming from inside of the room about 10 feet in front of me. As I entered the room, the banging had stopped. I decided to chill in this room for a bit and do another EVP session. I was pleased to have captured twice a female voice saying hi to me. I believe this to be the voice of 'Mary' who once was housed at Ashmore Estates. Earlier in the investigation I had asked for her to follow me around if she so chose to. I also found out from another paranormal investigator friend of mine that Mary likes to bang on things to get people's attention. Ashmore estates has had reports of full bodied apparitions, child-like voices heard, as well as people having the feeling of being touched. Although I did not personally witness any of those events, I will say that there is definitely paranormal activity present. Many people to the day call me crazy and say that it can't be haunted, but then again, these same people have admitted that they have never been in the building. I can only tell you this, I was completely alone in those two areas and to capture voices on my recorder that actually sound like the voices were right up and close to the recorder, well that is not imagination. I never heard a sound where these were captured other than the banging prior and my footsteps as I walked in the nurses station. Now you don't have to take my word on the energy present at Ashmore Estates, but I do recommend that you come to Coles County, Illinois and see for yourself. I am sure you will see that what was once just considered local legends and lore is a little bit more than that. 1 15

Passion… Seduction… Fear… What would you do if you became a prisoner in your own home? Held captive be an unseen force. Scared for your very life yet trapped by the desire. This is a story that one woman lived and survived to share…

WITHOUT WARNING

few months ago a close friend of mine from central Illinois was having something happening in her own home that she just couldn’t deal with on her own. She confided in me because she knew I was in the field and could probably help her. My friend who I will call ‘Sandy’ finally agreed to let me print her story. As Sandy began to tell me of the activity in her home, my initial thought was that this was just going to be an average home investigation. She had heard voices on numerous occasions and heard loud banging noises coming from the interior walls when she was the only one in her home. In the beginning the voices and banging didn’t bother her as she blamed it on the house settling and her imagination. As time went the sounds became more frequent and included items of Sandy’s to be moved from where she would place them. I recommended that she purchase and begin to use a few tools of the trade such as digital voice recorders, digital and 35 mm still cameras, and EMF detectors. I was confident that if she was really having the claimed activity that these would help her capture some validating evidence. She agreed and began to use the tools as instructed. All was going good for a few weeks and then she came to me with her findings and a little more. As I listened to her EVPs (voices recorded but not heard at the time) I noticed she had some bruising around her wrists. Naturally I asked her what happened. “These came with it,” she said as she showed me some matching bruises on her inner thigh area. What came next sounded so unreal that I had a hard time believing her initially. She began to tell me how as she was sleeping, in her dream state actually, she had a strong feeling of what she expressed to me as orgasmic and sensual. Sandy said at first it was as if it was just a very good sexual dream. As it became more intense, she began to wake up. Once fully awakened she realized that the feeling was still there and actually could feel a presence not only on top of her, but inside her as well. “This can not be happening,” she said. “I wanted to scream, but at the same time the desire compelled me to lay there.” After hearing what she told me and seeing what happened along with the other evidence she brought me I knew that this was no ordinary case. She decided

When Sprits attack by: Residential Seeker

to get some more serious tools to use in her house so we could try to communicate with it and capture evidence of it as well. I arrived at Sandy’s at about 7 PM the following night and she was already running video. “Starting early?” I asked. “I was hearing scratching from the living room walls,” she replied. We sat down and I began asking some general EVP questions. I wanted to do an immediate review to see what replies we had if any. I asked what it wanted from Sandy and to my surprise was a reply “she’s mine!” followed by some very loud bangs on the wall directly behind us. This wall was not an outside wall, but I still checked the entire outside perimeter immediately. No one was there to be seen at all. After that I began helping her document the activity in her home. I have witnessed everything from voices, growls and bangs to witnessing a strange phenomenon during her sleep which I can only say looks as if something made its way in her bed and has its way with her. This has only happened twice though and only caught on a static night vision cam we had set up towards her bed. Please note that we did not capture an apparition itself, only the actions that appeared to be something having its way with Sandy. Again she was bruised this time including her ankle area. In all my time of investigating homes for clients I have never witnessed anything like this before. I told Sandy I believe she has an incubus type spirit visiting her. It all began to make sense now. The bruises, the sensual attacks at night, the voices recorded and even the banging I believe was when it was angered by her uncooperativeness. I then told her to be strong and not give in to this pesky spirit’s demands. “I think it is time we get someone in here that specializes in these types of spirits,” I told her. We then brought in a friend of mine named Roy who has a gift of talking with spirits and getting them to leave upon his request. Since Roy removed the unwanted guest things have been pretty normal over all for Sandy. She still has an occasional ‘passer through’, but has not had anything as terrifying as what was in her house months before. So, what do you think you would you do if this had happened to you? 1 17

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS OF MIDWEST AMERICA

by: Steven White

Welcome to the world of the Extreme Hunters of Coles County, Illinois. Paranormal Investigations of Midwest America thrives to take ghost hunting to the far ends of the extreme. I have had the privilege and honor of working along side of this dynamic duo and let me tell you, it is off the chain. Although they both have investigating styles that are on the opposite ends of each other, they tend to work well with each other and get the results needed in the end. PIMA is led by two investigators Brandon Herschberger and Michael Drum. Like I said before, these two investigate quite a bit differently from each other. Brandon tends to be bold and outspoken with the spirits, provoking and testing their breaking point. Michael has a very laid back approach much like my own. His calm and collective ways have yielded him a very good rapport with not only clients, but the spirits as well. This, along with Brandonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal style is what it takes to be an extreme hunter in the paranormal field today. Extreme situations deserve extreme measures has been said time after time and these two investigators utilize this philosophy every time it is needed. When American Seekers had caught up with PIMA members, we asked them what they have been doing as of lately this is what they had to say: "We have been keeping busy investigating all over central Illinois in such places as Ashmore Estates, Monticello Railway Museum, Resthaven Memorial

Gardens, and various cemeteries with permission of course," said Drum. "We are still looking into places also in the area, like Essex Hotel,(Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Grant, William Mattoon) Starr Hotel (Site of the street lock down of 1897) and the railway express agency building. We are looking for cases where clients have unexplained things happening in their house and want answers or just understanding for." Drum also commented further about the team. "We are interested in the paranormal, because of numerous reasons. I seem to be connected with things that are going on around me, natural or unnatural. Brandon is a skeptic and believer looking for scientific proof of the paranormal. We are an odd combination that just seems to work well together." Michael told us how he believes that the spirit of his grandmother has stayed very near him since her passing. "She wanted to stay in my mother's home, so she did," stated Drum. Brandon has also had many experiences in his own home. He and members of his family have witnessed the presence of a little girl spirit named 'Sarah' in both a visual and audible manner. "We have even had a ball bounced in our house with no logical reason," said Herschberger. "I always try to find the logic behind any claimed haunting." After speaking with both Herschberger and Drum, anyone will also see the passion that these two share for furthering the paranormal field. Even Brandon has

c t l H t

i a p

P c

constructed a couple of prototypes that he is testing to further his research. When we asked why they like to utilize cemeteries for investigations Drum and Herschberger both replied "We use cemeteries as a training ground for members to test their skills in." American Seekers finds that the extreme investigative style of PIMA to be highly interesting and can see these guys becoming very well seasoned paranormal investigators. 1 Paranormal Investigations of Midwest America can be contacted via their website or find them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/159727397380327?ap=1 http://xtremehunterpima.yolasite.com/

Women of the Paranormal Jessica Johns and Allison Williams

Paranormal Sarah 21

Shanna

Karstedt

aranormal Wavelengths is a top notch internet based paranormal show hosted by Bob Cenkner. I found his show while I was networking and making new friends on Facebook. Since first watching it I have become friends Bob and found him to be one of the most positive people I have ever encountered. Bob always sends out positive energy to every one he meets. His goal is to meet every one in the paranormal field in order to share as well as receive more knowledge. The show has guests such as Brandy Green formerly of Ghost Hunters International, Jessica Johns and Allison Williams of Wartime Paranormal, Sarah Harmon, and many others. What separates Paranormal Wavelengths from other shows is the intense energy that is present between host, guests, and the viewers in the chat room. I have been present to many of these broadcasts and I have to tell you it is quite the time. The guests all make time to answer viewer questions as they are being asked in the room which in my opinion makes 26

a world of difference of whether I come back to a show or not. What is it that drives Bob in his paranormal quest? It is simply to seek the answers to the unknown. He has been a member of a couple paranormal teams as well as founding the Paranormal Wavelengths Investigators team. Bob and his team take their investigating very serious and do not leave any stone unturned. They make sure to cover every angle so as to not get any false evidence during an investigation. 1

Website: http://paranormalwavelengths.com Find us on Facebook

Bob Cenkner and fellow team members of the Paranormal WaveL engths Investigators.

ARYTH

Arythma is a top notch alternative American metal band from St. Louis, MO. Their sound so seasoned it is bound to leave you craving more and more. The energy of this band is unlike that of other bands of their caliber. They write hard charging and high voltage rock tunes with melodies that are sure to penetrate even the most finicky music lover's ears. Arythma has played with national acts such as Staind, Chevelle, Lacuna Coil, All That Remains, Trapt, Atreyu, Disturbed, and Killswitch Engage 28

YTHMA

just to name a few. Their mesmerizing melodies and crushing breaks complement with their in your face vocals sends the fans to an all new high better than any drug out there. Arythma is the official choice of music for American Seekers. 1 http://www.myspace.com/arythma

Find us on Facebook

Untapped Paranormal Hot Spots by: Staff Writer This section of American Seekers is to set the stage for some active places that may not be well known to other paranormal investigators. We have found that many places that have paranormal happenings are not always the most known places. It is our hope to share with you, the readers some of the hot spots sent in to us from other paranormal investigators.

New Indian Creek Cemetery Our first revealing is a cemetery. This is not just any old cemetery, but one that holds a good piece of history in the Coles county area. There are some Indians and Civil war soldiers buried on the grounds. The cemetery is located near Lerna, IL.â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Upon asking a local paranormal team about the cemetery, we found out that there have been shadow figures seen, voices have been both captured on various equipment and heard by the naked ear, and even a team leader was dropped to his knees by an unseen force. â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Another team member spoke of people having the feeling of being choked. Is there something negative lurking in this cemetery? Come see for yourself.

Ashmore Estates Next we are taken to another Coles county gem. Ashmore Estates is what remains of a once poor farm as well as once an insane asylum. Looking at the building from the outside it definitely has the classic "creepy" look to it, but when you get inside it has the feel that you are not alone. When darkness sets in, and you have the courage to explore the building, maybe Mary or Elva will come out and say hi. Out of the people that have investigated the building most all of them say there is spirit activity in the place. Ghost adventures and The Booth Brothers are among those who have ventured into Ashmore Estates.

Is My House Haunted? Have you ever found yourself where you get the feeling that you have some unseen company? First you begin to hear odd sounds, then you start seeing things that you tell yourself could not be possible. Well it may be possible that your house is haunted. Here are a few ways to detect if your house may be haunted or not. The first and most important thing to do is to try to determine the best you can if what you are experiencing could have a natural cause to it. Once you have ruled out all and any possible logical explanation, then you may want to start looking at the other side of things. Not all hauntings are the same. Some may have only a single phenomenon, such as a door that slams shut on its own that occurs often, while others may have multiple phenomena happening like odd noises to a full body apparition. We will list a partial list to help get you started. Remember that even the things in this list should still have been tried to debunk it naturally before calling it "paranormal" or "haunted." I can not stress that point enough. Most of the time there is a natural explanation for what people think is haunting their homes or businesses.

• Items disappearing and reappearing - this has been dubbed "the DOPler Effect" (DOP = Disappearing Object Phenomenon). It's the familiar experience of not being able to find a regularly used item - a set of car keys which you believe you placed in a spot you routinely place them and then they're gone and you look high and low for them with no success. Some time later, the keys are found - in exactly the place you normally put them. • Unexplained shadows - Many times, the shadows have vaguely human forms, while other times they are less distinguishable or smaller. • Strange animal behavior - a dog, cat or other pet behaves strangely. Dogs may bark at something unseen, cower without apparent reason or refuse to enter a room they normally do. Cats may seem to be "watching" something cross a room. Animals have sharper senses than us humans.

• Feelings of being watched - this is not an uncommon feeling and can be attributed to many things, but it could have a paranormal source if the feeling consistently • Unexplained noises - footsteps; knocks, banging, occurs in a particular part of the house at a particular scratching; sounds of something being dropped. Most time. These are just a few basic things that could be times these noises can be subtle and other times they possibilities of paranormal activity. Remember that can be very loud. paranormal just means that something is above the • Doors, cabinets and cupboards opening and closing normal. It doesn't always mean haunted. 1 - most often, these phenomena are not seen directly. The experiencer either hears the distinct sounds of the doors opening and closing (homeowners generally know quite well the distinctive sounds their houses make) or the experiencer will return to a room to find a door open or closed when they are certain that it was left in the opposite position. • Lights turning off and on - Lights are switched on or off when the experiencer knows they were not left that way. This can also happen with TVs, radios and other electrically powered items.