Former addict shares NET Recovery Device story
Published 9:30 am Sunday, November 9, 2025
Rebecca Mutch, liaison for NET Recovery Device Inc., and the agencies that use it, reported positive results with the 15 people whose treatments were funded through the opioid abatement fund administered by Franklin County Fiscal Court.
Michelle Warfield shared what the device did for her.
“I used it in August and am completely clean,” she said. “It’s a life-changing experience.”
She said relationships that had been shattered by opioid addiction have been or are being restored.
“I feel I have been re-born,” she said.
The device is about the size of a cellphone and research has revealed up to a 60% reduction in withdrawal symptoms within the first hours of use.
Warfield said her addiction, which she had struggled since her teen years, had become so bad that her kids wouldn’t even speak to her.
“It also reduced my craving for nicotine and sugar.”
The treatment, however, isn’t cheap, costing about $5,500 per person. No tax dollars have been spent. Of the 15 treated, seven are in detention and the other eight are treated by Isaiah House, an addiction treatment center.
Several court members expressed hope that in the future the number of those treated can increase.
Depp reports on SRO program
Franklin County Sheriff Dwayne Depp asked for authorization from the court to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the sheriff’s office and the Franklin County Board of Education to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) for the county schools.
Depp said there is no difference in this MOU and the previous one with former Sheriff Chris Quire who retired several months ago. Depp was appointed to fill the remainder of Quire’s term by Judge-Executive Michael Mueller.
“This is and has been very popular and an effective relationship,” Depp stated. “I encourage the officers to interact with the students at school and attend other events as they are able.”
Since the officers are employees of the sheriff’s department, Depp said, they wear regulation uniforms and are armed.
The cost of the program is not to exceed $930,000 for the 2025-26 school/fiscal year and will be paid to the sheriff’s office board.
Second District Magistrate J.W. Blackburn, a teacher in the county system, expressed support for the program.
“If there is a sheriff’s car parked in front of the building,” Blackburn said, “I would think that’s a deterrent to anyone with bad intentions.”
In other business:
• Elle Travis was re-appointed to the Franklin County Board of Health for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
• Authorization was granted to approve an engagement letter with Allison Ball, Auditor of Public Accounts, for auditing service for the year that ended June 30, 2025.
• Amy Quatman, county treasurer, reported on budget transfers for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Transfers do not increase or decrease the budget. She also said $10,000 has been awarded to Fresh Start Frankfort from the Opioid Settlement funds.
• Wil Rhodes, Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator, explained how his office works, including the appeal process for those disagreeing with an assessment.
Rhodes also talked about the Homestead Exemption for those 65 and over, reminding it’s just for the primary residence.
Both Rhodes and Depp said property tax bills are out and taxes are being collected with many taking advantage of a 2% discount if paid by Nov. 30.
All agenda items requiring a vote were approved.
