This page details the two types of WIX's investigations, how WIX conducts an investigation (its procedure), and the determination of a case classification and the reasoning behind this claim.

Two Types of Investigations:

Complete Investigation: This type of investigation comprises most paranormal investigations of WIX.  While this investigation is still carried out in full detail like the formal investigation and retains the same level of seriousness and formality, the complete investigation is not at the same scale of intensity and time as the formal investigation.  For a complete investigation, the "Before the Day of the Investigation" procedure (found below) is mostly shortened.  This means that a location is selected only a few days before the investigation will take place.  All of the haunted activity is still researched from the sources that are immediately available to WIX.  For a complete investigation, WIX normally does not perform inquiries of personal experiences of people who live near the location or had dealings with the location.  WIX also does not research the location's history.  This is because of the time that is involved for a lengthy research process.  For a complete investigation, the "Day of the Investigation Before Entering the Location" procedure is strictly followed.  All equipment is maintained to its highest level of functionality, and WIX still splits into its appropriate teams.  However, the complete investigation usually involves less team members.  Because of this, WIX does not usually use all of its equipment and only uses the equipment that the team members feel will pertain to the area.  For example, WIX does not usually use its sound equipment at a location where there is no reported sound phenomena like unusual sounds or certain voices that are rumored to be heard.  Once at the investigation site, WIX exactly follows the "At the Location" part of its procedure.  The time it takes to investigate the location on site for a complete investigation is the same as a formal location.  Lastly, WIX does not fill out an Official Paranormal Report for a complete investigation; this is the major difference between a complete and formal investigation.  Off site analysis is still carried out in the same manner as a formal investigation with the equipment and research that was complied during the investigation, as this information is used to form a case classification.  Instead of a filed Official Paranormal Report, the results of a complete investigation are posted on WIX's webpage under the appropriate linked location that is found in the Wisconsin's Haunted Locations section.  If WIX finds any major anomalies that were photographed, video taped, or heard with any voice recorder, this research can be found under the Evidence section.  WIX believes that a complete investigation still serves the purpose of a thorough paranormal investigation even though the intensity and time involved is not the same as a formal investigation, for a complete investigation still follows a strict procedure, uses relative pieces of equipment, and sustains a fair level formality.  Based on this, WIX feels that it can still properly determine a correct case classification for the investigated location.

Formal Investigation: WIX usually performs one formal investigation every year.  This investigation covers every aspect of paranormal research that WIX feels adequate.  A formal investigation is followed with an Official WIX Paranormal Report:

Original Copy (basic template) (pdf)    Original Copy (basic template) (html)

For a formal investigation, WIX follows all of its procedures to every exact detail.  A formal investigation usually takes two months to complete and to finish the whole WIX Official Paranormal Report.  Past formal investigations are linked to the specific location in the Wisconsin's Haunted Locations section.  Also, any WIX Official Paranormal Reports can be found in the Evidence section under WIX Official Reports.

WIX Investigation Procedure:

Before the Day of the Investigation:

1.      A haunted location is picked from WIX’s Haunted Wisconsin Database.  This index can be found online at www.hauntedwi.com under the “Wisconsin’s Haunted Locations” section.

2.      If this location is a building, private property, or any other place that requires permission to be present, WIX obtains this permission from the proper authority.

3.      Once a location is picked and WIX is able to perform an investigation, all haunted claims of the location are researched.  This includes finding any and all listings of paranormal activity that supposedly happens at the future investigation site.  This information is obtained through books, Internet sources, or any first-hand reports.  All of the supposed haunting activity is then compiled under the Location History in the “Folklore, legends, and myths” section of this report.  Also, this information is added to any specific area of interest underneath this procedure list.  For example, if there happens to be some sort of noises at the intended investigation site, this would be included in the Field of Sound section under “Rumors of abnormal sound or distinct sound not characteristic to the area.”  All sources are properly cited and credited.

4.      A thorough history of the location is then researched.  This includes investigating the local archives, library, and personal testimonies from people who either live near the supposed site or who have pertinent information to add to WIX’s investigation.  This information is then listed under the Location History in the “Confirmed history through credible sources” section.  All sources are properly cited and credited.

5.      After all research is complete, WIX then assembles a team of interested members who will be available to conduct the investigation at the prescribed date.

Day of the Investigation Before Entering the Location:

1.      All batteries for every piece of equipment that can be charged are completely charged.  Non-chargeable batteries are loaded into the equipment and tested for strength.  All equipment is then properly tested to maintain optimum performance.

2.      All three Athletic Works watches are checked to make sure that they are synchronized to the second.

3.      All members of the investigation team are assembled before the investigation for a briefing.  At this time, everyone is given any explanation(s) of the supposed haunting activity (WIX understands when all members are informed of the possible haunted activities that these members might be subject to reporting an experience at the site that may have not actually happened only because they were told of any paranormal occurrence(s) before hand.  However, WIX informs its members of the investigation team of all reported phenomena, so they can be aware of these claims beforehand, as WIX tries to ascertain whether or not haunted claims are true).

After a discussion about the haunted activity of the location and history, all members are then assigned into their respective team and are given the piece or pieces of equipment that corresponds to their team. 

Order of Operations for WIX’s Teams:

Head Investigator: (works with all three teams)

Equipment: Uses Sony DVR-DVD 403 Handycam (Camcorder), Insignia IN-FR 10111 GMRS/FRS Radio (two-way radio), Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight, and Notepad/Writing Device

Blue Team (leader:)

Equipment: Uses TriField EMF Meter, Insignia IN-FR 10111 GMRS/FRS Radio (two-way radio), Athletic Works Watch, Brinkman Rebel L.E.D. white lens flashlight, and Notepad/Writing Device (Carries blue backpack with all team equipment, extra batteries, and other accessories)

Members of Blue Team:

1.      Name: 

Equipment: Uses Newcon Optik Night Vision model number CYCLOP-1 and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

2.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Radio Shack Infrared Thermometer, Silva Polaris Precision Compass, and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

Green Team (leader:)

Equipment: Uses ElectroMagnetic Field Tester model number EMF 1390, Insignia IN-FR 10111 GMRS/FRS Radio (two-way radio), Athletic Works Watch, Brinkman L.E.D. white lens flashlight, and Notepad/Writing Device (Carries green backpack with all team equipment, extra batteries, and other accessories)

Members of Green Team:

1.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Sony Clear Voice Plus Microcassette Recorder model number M-570V (analog) with the Bionic Ear with the Bionic Booster by Industrial Communications and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

2.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Geiger Counter by The Victoreen Instrument Company model number CDV-715 R and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

3.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Mannix Infrared Thermometer model number IRT 4 and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

4.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Speedtech Eco Edge Environment and Weather Meter model number EE-1, Silva Polaris Precision Compass, and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

Orange Team (leader:)

Equipment: Uses TriField EMF Meter with Audible Notification, Insignia IN-FR 10111 GMRS/FRS Radio (two-way radio), Athletic Works Watch, Brinkman Rebel L.E.D. white lens flashlight, and Notepad/Writing Device (Carries orange backpack with all team equipment, extra batteries, and other accessories)

Members of Orange Team:

1.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Panasonic RR-US360 Digital Voice Recorder connected with Sony attachable Dynamic Microphone, Radio Shack Digital Sound Level Meter, and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

2.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 (digital camera) and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

3.      Name:

Equipment: Uses Mannix Environmental Meter model number DLAF-8,000, Silva Polaris Precision Compass, and Coast TekTorch red lens L.E.D. flashlight

All members are instructed how to use any equipment that they are unfamiliar with.  If they are uncomfortable with any piece of equipment, they do not use it.  Team leaders are picked by experience and comfort of the extra duties of the position.  This Order of Operations does not entail rank or permanence (only for this investigation), for it serves WIX as a smooth model of processes to conduct a successful investigation; all members of WIX are treated at the same level of equality.

Note: This is the ideal number of people (13) for a WIX investigation.  From time to time, WIX cannot fill all positions.  In this case, the above model might be modified and some users might take on two roles of equipment usage.  If this scenario happens, it is documented on the Official Paranormal Report.

4.      About an hour before the investigation (depends on the time it takes to arrive at the location), WIX records all information under the Environmental Conditions section.  All of this information is obtained online and all sources are mentioned.

At the Location:

1.      Watches are checked again to make sure of synchronization.

2.      All equipment is checked to maintain its proper function.  Every user of each piece of equipment notes battery power and has their appropriate team leader record this number/level.

3.      All cell phones are silenced.

4.      The Head Investigator coordinates where each team will begin the investigation and further movement.  Each member then breaks down into their specific team and starts investigating the location with the other members of the team and the team leader (The colored teams work and stay together with their specific group).  WIX breaks down into teams for many reasons.  The first is to prevent an overcrowding of an area by too many people.  Second, there have been proposed theories that state paranormal activity is likely to occur with few people present.  Third, WIX can cover the whole investigation site, and teams can possibly overlap other team’s investigation areas for a more detailed analysis.  WIX can support the use of three teams because each team is self-sufficient in equipment and specialties.  Each team has a compass, temperature and EMF reading capabilities, and a specialization which include: Blue Team has night vision, Green Team has barometric pressure, radiation measuring, and analog sound while the Orange Team has humidity/light measurement, digital sound, and photographic capabilities. All teams and the Head Investigator communicate with each other via the Insignia IN-FR 10111 GMRS/FRS Radio (two-way radio) where they record information (notepad/writing device) and are on the same time with the synchronized Athletic Works watches.  Also, each team member is given a red lens L.E.D. flashlight, and all equipment has a second set of batteries in case of battery failure.  Based on this specified unison, WIX feels that they can accurately investigate any location to their fullest capabilities.

5.      During the investigation, if any paranormal activity occurs, the user of the equipment or person(s) who witnesses the activity reports it to their group leader.  The leader records the instance, any equipment readings, the area, and the time.  Then the leader of that team reports the instance over the two-way radio.  If the Head Investigator feels that the paranormal activity warrants another team with its equipment and its equipment specialties (example: Blue Team gets an abnormal EMF spike, and they want Green Team to take some pictures of the spot.) to area, then the Head Investigator will call one or both of the other teams to the area of the paranormal incident.

6.      During the investigation, the Head Investigator works with all teams for any amount of time to make sure the investigation is running smoothly while the Head Investigator is using the camcorder.  The Head Investigator is also responsible for drawing all maps of the location while the investigation is taking place.  Lastly, the Head Investigator gives the notification when the investigation is completed.

(This entire procedure is taken directly from WIX's Official Paranormal Report where it is found on pages 10-13)

WIX Case Classification:

For a Complete Investigation: WIX offers four types of a case classification (haunted determination).  These types are:

1.  Haunted- Cases that have been classified as haunted have been determined by the evidence that has been gathered at the alleged haunted location during a complete investigation supports this.  This evidence has been obtained through WIX's various pieces of equipment that can be viewed in the Equipment section.  WIX understands that it is a bold claim to say that a place is haunted or not haunted; however, based on the evidence that has been collected, WIX believes that the claim is properly accounted for.  For a location to be considered haunted, it usually displays unusual activity that was recorded on any of WIX's equipment that cannot be explained.  This evidence could be as minor as a strange EMF spike or as major as a photograph that shows paranormal activity.  Other measures that are taken into account are any odd experiences by the research team and if certain haunted claims are proven to be true.

Haunted Locations: Riverside Cemetery

2.  Not haunted- Cases that have been classified as not haunted have been determined because the evidence that has been gathered at the supposed haunted location during a complete investigation shows the location not to manifest any haunted properties.  This evidence has been obtained through WIX's various pieces of equipment that can be viewed in the Equipment section.  WIX understands that it is a bold claim to say that a place is haunted or not haunted; however, based on the evidence that has been collected, WIX believes that the claim is properly accounted for.  For a case to be classified as not haunted, it displays no evidence of a haunting.  No evidence of a haunting means that WIX did not collect any evidence for all or the majority of its equipment; and if any positive paranormal evidence was collected, it can usually be explained.  Also, no odd experiences happened to any members of the research team; and if the location did have specific haunted claims, most of them, if not all of them did not take place.

Not Haunted Locations:  Avon Cemetery, Lawrence Cemetery, McMillion Hotel, Old Swenson (County Hwy II), Red Bridge, Scotch Hill Cemetery, Spirit Land Cemetery, Tuttle Lake

3.  Case is open- This means that the investigation is still pending because the previous investigation did not yield a solid case classification from either not enough evidence to make a proper case classification or other conditions that ended the investigation prematurely.

Open Case Locations: Boy Scout Lane, Calvary Cemetery, Church Road Cemetery, Glenbeulah Graveyard, Greenwood Cemetery, House of Holy, Plainfield Cemetery, Rib Lake Campgrounds, Sacred Heart Cemetery, Shirley Graveyard, Witch Road (Callan Road)

4.  Case cannot be determined- An investigation that cannot be determined is classified this because of various circumstances like being unable to determine where the haunted activity supposedly takes place or because the location cannot be accessed.  A case classified cannot be determined can be made before or after an investigation.

Not Determined Case Locations: Wisconsin Street

(WIX will always discuss case classification and reasoning with any concerned or curious individual or party.  Please contact WIX.)

For a Formal Investigation: A formal investigation case classification is complied differently than a complete investigation case classification.  This process is done using all of the information gathered (weather information, supposed haunted information, location history, on location equipment usage and experience, and off-site analysis) to determine a case classification where WIX starts out at 100% (this assumes all locations are not haunted).  From the 100% base number, different percentages are subtracted based on any paranormal information that was discovered from the whole investigation.  For example, an abnormal EMF reading that could not be explained would subtract 5% from the total.  If this total (the 100%) goes down in the range of 60-40%, WIX claims the location to be haunted.  Examples of this classification can be found in any filed WIX Official Paranormal Report.

WIX Formal Investigation Locations: Founders Park