Since 12-year-old Jackson Hepner discovered the mammoth tooth on the grounds of The Inn, the story has exploded. A variety of local, regional and eventually national news outlets picked up the story and before he knew it, Jackson’s photo was on the front page of CNN’s website, appeared on Good Morning America, and dozens more. Throughout the whirlwind, Jackson seemed excited by the coverage and the process, but remained steadfast in his primary objective – getting the tooth back so he could show his friends!
We are happy to report that it has happened!
The journey went like this:
After being reviewed and identified by several Ohio scholars, the Woolly Mammoth tooth has remained with us at The Inn. Once all of the news coverage subsided, the tooth accompanied Jason Nies (Jackson’s cousin and the owner of The Inn) on his journey to Florida, starting at the Akron/Canton airport, pausing in Atlanta, and finally landing in Sarasota.
Jackson’s father, Josh, had also traveled to Sarasota and the tooth was handed off to him.
When Josh returned home to Virginia, the tooth came along for the ride. There awaited a very excited Jackson.
He was finally reunited with his prized possession!
