They're ghostbusters, no kidding
They wear the costumes for fun, but two Brainerd men say their ghost-busting business is no joke.
Hans Schneck, 26, and Nick Groshong, 19, are the Central Minnesota Ghostbusters, a non-profit organization they say they formed this summer to investigate ghosts and other apparitions.
The men have created a Web site that explains their work as paranormal investigators. The site has links to other "Ghostbusters" movie fan sites, has photos and describes the various types of ghosts and shows supposed photographs of the duo in action, capturing a ghost with their proton vac, a ghost elimination device that Schneck said he invented.
The two men met in June and happened to be big fans of the 1984 movie. Both were fascinated by paranormal activity, so they formed the Central Minnesota Ghostbusters. They say they will investigate ghost hauntings for no fee. If there isn't a natural explanation for unexplainable phenomena, they will eliminate the ghost for the homeowner.
"We are going out there to find spooks and things that go bump in the night and get rid of it," said Groshong.
When they're not ridding the world of ghosts, the men work for Schneck's father, Duane, videotaping weddings and other events.
The men say they've already been out investigating ghost hauntings in the Brainerd lakes area, but weren't at liberty to discuss where they were at or what it involved. They don't want those places to become overrun by people wanting to get spooked.
"We've done several cases, that's all I'm going to say," said Groshong. "We're hoping people will recognize us as ghost investigators. We're here to help the community with their ghost problems."
Schneck said they have seen ghosts while out on their investigations.
"It's really hard to scare Ghostbusters. You know we ain't afraid of no ghosts," said Schneck.
"It's a fun thing for them and yet they are serious," said Duane Schneck, of his son and Groshong.
The men participated in the Anoka Halloween Grand Day parade Saturday.
"We love Halloween," said Schneck.
"It's our favorite time of year," added Groshong.
Access to the Central Minnesota Ghostbusters Web site can be made at http://community-2.webtv.net/Central_Minnesota_Ghostbusters/CentralMinnesota.
Brainerd lakes area residents can contact the Ghostbusters through e-mail listed at their Web site. They requested no prank e-mails because they take their work seriously.