By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorA Wright City company has purchased a haunted attraction that formerly was rated as “one of the best haunts in the country.”Fearsome Entertainment, LLC, owned by Wright City residents Justin and Nicci Fears, plan to relocate the attraction from Caddo Mills, Texas, to Wright City, as an addition to their new planned attraction known as Phobius.Wright City aldermen unanimously approved a conditional use permit at their May 22 meeting for Fearsome Entertainment to operate a haunted attraction at 302 E. 1st St. South.The only stipulation placed on the permit was for the requirements of the building inspector and fire district to be met.The city’s planning and zoning commission previously approved the permit request during its May 19 meeting.Phobius is scheduled to be open Friday and Saturday nights, starting Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, according to the Fears.“Even though we have dreamed of opening a haunted attraction for years, it wasn’t until 2011 that we started the process of planning, researching and networking,” Nicci Fears said. “Over this time we have poured our hears and souls into this project and are excited to finally be able to share our dream with the world.”Through networking efforts, the Fears purchased the haunted attraction formerly known as the Haunt House, which is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.The attraction — under its previous owner’s direction — was given the title of “one of the best haunts in the country” in 2012 by Hauntworld Magazine, and a “must see haunt” in 2013 by Haunted Attraction Magazine.The fully-themed attraction was sold to Fearsome Entertainment; however the name and intellectual rights to its former production will remain with the original owners, according to the Fears.The new haunted attraction is designed to flow like a book, transporting patrons into the world of Dr. Cyress Fears, operator and doctor of Cirque du Phobius, according to it owners.“We have a lot of unique ideas to bring to our production and overall patron experience,” Justine Fears said. “The fact that we were able to find an established attraction that fit our storyline seamlessly was vital for us to be in a position to open this year. Our plan for Phobius is to continue to grow and become known as a landmark destination in the St. Louis area.”For more information, visit the company’s Facebook page or email info@PhobiusHaunt.com.Haunted house recieves permit in Wright City