Staff photo / Bob Coupland Trevor and Jennifer Debth of Raleigh, North Carolina, are congratulated by Paul McEwuen, general manager of Sarchione Chevrolet in Garrettsville on Thursday for being the winners of the near five-month treasure hunt in Newton Falls. The Debths received more than $37,650 in cash, coins, rings and checks.

NEWTON FALLS — Trevor and Jennifer Debth of Raleigh, North Carolina are not leaving Newton Falls empty-handed as the couple are the winners of the five-month treasure hunt, which has brought hundreds of treasure seekers to the village.

The Debths on Thursday visited Fieldview Acres Mercantile where store owner Tom Colosimo presented them with their winnings — a box filled with $37,650 in cash, coins and other items.

In addition, the Debths received a $5,900 check from Sarchione Chevrolet in Garrettsville, which was money the dealership donated for the cars sold during the treasure hunt.

Trevor said his wife is an amazing treasure hunt partner as the two have taken part in seven treasure hunts winning three times.

“We loved this treasure hunt. It was harder than most of the others. This is something we really enjoy doing and our children love coming with us,” Trevor said. “We have fallen in love with this town and have explored the community. The people have been so welcoming. We have had an amazing time.”

He said two other treasure hunts they won $6,000 in West Virginia and $200,000 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The final clue turned out to be about the key that was around Tom’s neck. That key unlocked the box which had lots of cash, rings, and gold and silver coins.” Trevor said.

Trevor said they have followed the treasure hunt for five months and arrived nine days ago with their three children to Newton Falls.

He said the 10 clues had different numbers that could be different combinations that had to be figured out.

“It was monumental figuring out the combinations. We had to decipher which ones we had right and which ones we had wrong. We had to revisit locations and see what we knew and didn’t know,” Trevor said.

The Debths said the best part of the treasure hunt was being able to explore Newton Falls, including visiting different stores and restaurants.

“The local history was fascinating to learn,” Trevor said.

Jennifer said they were able to see the town with their two daughters and one son ages 3, 5 and 7.

“They love exploring. They may not know exactly what is going on, but they had fun,” Trevor said.

He said the final clue included getting the coordinates to the back of Colosimo’s store and then locating a pattern on the back of the store door.

“We brought all the tokens from all of the 10 clues into the store. The clues led to the key hanging around Tom’s neck,” Trevor said.

He said of all the treasure hunts this one was very challenging mentally.

The Debths are heading next to visit their relatives in Iowa and will bring their treasure to show.

The couple have a food blog called Show Me the Yummy.

Paul McEwuen, general manager of Sarchione Chevrolet, said they presented two checks with one for $11,000 and the other $5,900 which was $50 for each car they sold during the treasure hunt, which began in early March.

They also gave various coins, including an America 250th anniversary gold coin.

“We were very proud to be part of this.” McEwuen said.

Colosimo said he was very pleased with the way the treasure hunt went.

In the past few days, treasure hunters signed their names in a book at Colosimo’s store to help him get the event in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Colosimo said more than 200 people have signed the book. He said the participants this week seemed very excited to be part of the final clue day.

In addition to concluding the hunt, organizers will be documenting attendance in an effort to determine whether Newton Falls has attracted enough participants in a single day to pursue recognition from Guinness for what Colosimo and other event organizers believe could become a new category for the largest attendance at a community treasure hunt in a single day.

He said the official registration book was on the counter at his store, Fieldview Acres Mercantile. The book will document where participants traveled from and help establish an official attendance count for the event.

Additional documentation, including photographs, video and supporting records also will be collected as part of the potential Guinness submission, Colosimo said.

The community-wide treasure hunt has drawn visitors from numerous states and multiple countries, transforming Newton Falls into a destination for treasure hunters, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Along the way, participants have explored the town’s historic landmarks, supported local businesses and discovered everything Newton Falls has to offer, Colosimo’s social media page states.