Paranormal Night

Halloween may be over, but the mystery of the paranormal was alive and well Friday night at Dorsch Memorial Branch Library. Parahaunt, a team of paranormal researchers based in Riverview, held a
presentation on Friday. Led by founder and lead investigator Scott Hattis, the group of ghost hunters discussed the type of equipment used in paranormal investigations, their own experiences and encounters, and tips for successful hunting. They investigate houses and public cemeteries.

Even though the event was advertised for “teens only,” possibly half of the 35 guests at the “Paranormal Night” event were adults. Kathryn Lear of Trenton was one of the many adults in attendance.
“I’m intrigued by the paranormal so I came here to see what they have to say and what they have seen,” she said.

During the two-hour presentation, the eight team members talked about their experiences during investigations. Through an audio-visual presentation, they showed pictures with orbs, which many believe to be ghosts in forms of balls of light. They also played several audio clips
of electric voice phenomena, better known as EVPs.

For example, during video shot at the River Raisin Battlefield site in Monroe, members of the investigative team asked questions, hoping for a response. When they played the audio, a faint “hello” can be heard.

While visiting a home in Whitmore Lake, the group came across an evil, or demonic, entity. Attempting to get an EVP, the team began asking questions. A low voice is then heard saying “phone” just before the
telephone rings. “We believe the demon was trying to create a diversion and make us stop what we were doing so we didn’t answer the phone,” Mr. Hattis explained.

While some skeptics attended the event out of curiosity, most people showed up to get a better grasp of the afterlife. Katlyn Gagnon, 14, and Chelsea Delker, 14, of Monroe attended the event. They are believers of the paranormal.

“I actually hear the ghost of my horse,” Katlyn said. “Even though my horse died, I will sometimes hear him out in the barn, but nothing is there. My mom said she hears it, too.” Mr. Hattis began Parahaunt about 15 years ago and has several members on his team, including a psychic, demonologist, researchers, equipment
specialists, and a Wiccan consultant. They have conducted investigations
throughout Michigan and other surrounding states.

Debbie Kelly of Maybee is the psychic on the team. “I’ve been able to see and feel entities since I was 7 years old. I like being able to use my abilities to help other people. It’s fun and draining at the same time,” she said. “I can tell you what’s there, who’s there and give descriptions of entities.”
Jadin Howton, senior youth services technician at Dorsch, was pleased that the team could visit the library.

“This the first time we’ve had something like this. We were looking for a teen event and thought this would be a good one for them,” she said. “I would love for the team to come back and actually do an investigation
at the library.”
Mr. Hattis and his team prefer to be called “hobbyists.” “We don’t get paid for what we do. We just enjoy helping people out if we can,” he said.
Source: For more information about Parahaunt, call (734) 934-5473 or visit www.miparahaunt. com.