March 29, 2024

Ghost investigation group coming to Newton

They may not be the Ghostbusters, but when Iowans need someone to call and deal with the supernatural, the Iowa Paranormal Advanced Research Team is always ready to investigate.

With rumored haunts such as the former Jasper County Care Facility and the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Newton is no stranger to dealing with ghastly findings, however, IPART won’t be investigating those. Instead, it will give a special program from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the Newton Public Library.

Nicole Lindstrom, Newton public services librarian, said around this time of the year, patrons have shown a great interest in displays featuring ghost stories and paranormal activities.

“To tap into that audience I looked around on the Internet and asked fellow librarians to recommend good paranormal speakers, and IPART was mentioned more than once. They are part of the TAPS association, and I am really excited to hear their program,” Lindstrom said. “I’ve always had an interest in the paranormal and this stemmed a bit from me wanting to know more and entertain others at the same time.”

Lindstrom believes the last time the library held a similar presentation, was in 2010 when the Iowa Ghost Hunters made an appearance.

“I will say that if this program is a success that we will again have it next year and look into similar programming ideas for adults and teens.

IPART is a group that says it is made up of mainstream people who are both believers in the paranormal or afterlife, as well as skeptics. The group’s mission is to investigate any activity that is suspected to be paranormal or can’t be explained by normal means and finding a conclusion on whether the matter is of an otherworldly nature or not.

The library is offering this show free of charge to anyone who would like to attend; no library card is required.

This show is for all ages, but Lindstrom does offer some advice to parents.

“I think it would be wise for any child to be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Some of the material may be a bit spooky, depending on if you believe or not,” Lindstrom said.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6532 or trushing@newtondailynews.com