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The old Jasper County Care Facility is potentially a ghostly goldmine. So why is the Jasper County Board of Supervisors denying access to a group of paranormal investigators seeking to gather data on it?

Kate Lydon of the Supernatural Research Society of Iowa (SRSOI) brings us the story.

The deserted campus, once used as a poor farm, retirement home, orphanage and mental health facility, has been the subject of ghost lore for years. Now, Robert Sinclair and his group, Mid-Iowa Paranormal, are determined to investigate the dilapidated buildings for any lingering spirits before the property is destroyed.

Mid-Iowa Paranormal presented their case to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors on January 13th. Though the group provided waivers assuring the county would not be held liable for any mishaps, the Board refused permission, citing mold and liability issues. According to Kate Lydon, founding member of SRSOI, the Central Iowa Ghost Hunting Team (CIGHT) investigated the site twice in 2004 but the Board had not heard of those instances. Findings from the previous investigations were minimal, Lydon says.

Upon gaining access to the County Home, teams from Mid-Iowa Paranormal and SRSOI would work together to conduct a scientific investigation of the premises on March 21. The team would use an array of high-tech equipment including electromagnetic field (EMF) readers, infra-red night cameras, and audio devices to record potential evidence.

If paranormal activity is found there, employees’ stories may be validated, curiosities might be laid to rest, and Newton may even gain some positive publicity. If nothing is found, the stories will continue to circulate, and neighbors will continue to be curious.

Regarding the typical approval process, Lydon explains “The majority of cases we take on are personal residences or private businesses. Sometimes the homeowner asks for help and other times a casual conversation with a team member can lead to an investigation. Government property is an entirely different story, though. Mid-Iowa Paranormal is trying to do things right by asking permission from the Board to investigate it.”

The next Jasper County Board Meeting will be held February 3rd. Until then, supporters of Mid-Iowa Paranormal are encouraged to sign the online petition, found at: http://www.supernaturalresearchsocietyofiowa.com/main.htm

Lydon reports an encouraging response. “We’ve had great support from the public so far on this and we’re really grateful for that. Just like firemen practice burning down houses before the real thing comes up, investigating this large space could be great practice for SRSOI and Mid-Iowa Paranormal when they’re called to investigate a place that really needs help.”

(Check out some photos of a previous SRSOI investigation in this White Poison exclusive! Ghost Busted: Joie de Vie.)