This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, November 17th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer at FIRE, about a recent billboard campaign the free speech organization launched in Bloomington criticizing Indiana University. More in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear from Bella Inman, the founder of Friends Club at IU. She created her own club on campus, with female friendship in mind and philanthropy at its heart. Learn more about their mission later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Ellettsville Town Council Proposes Merger With Richland Township

The Ellettsville Town Council met on November 10th and discussed a reorganization of Ellettsville and Richland Township. The Town of Ellettsville and Richland Township are exploring a proposal to reorganize into a single government entity.

Town Manager Mike Farmer says the reorganization would protect public services, improve government efficiency, strengthen future economic and community development and maintain a strong fire department. Council member Scott Oldham says the proposal is not for an annexation.

Farmer says following Senate Bill 1, small towns and townships are operating on smaller budgets with fewer resources. He says there is discussion at a state level to limit township governments altogether.

Committees and subcommittees will be formed to study the costs, impacts and feasibility of the reorganization. Council member William Ellis emphasized that the proposal is an exploration, not an action at this time.

Council member Dan Swafford proposed an amendment to make all committee and subcommittee meetings open to the public so town and township residents, such as himself, can hear all steps in the process.

The council approved Swafford’s amendment to make all meetings public.

Oldham says if the exploration becomes a plan, it will be voted on by everyone in Ellettsville and Richland Township as a referendum in November 2026. If it passes the board and the public, the joint governments will become an entity in January 2027.

Ellis says the plan has to focus on transparency and doing what is best for all impacted residents.

Ellis added if the reorganization passes, it could lead to the town changing its name.

The town council approved moving forward with the exploration. An initial fiscal review with Baker Tilly occurred last Friday at 3 p.m.

Next, the council congratulated the Edgewood Marching Mustangs on their fourth consecutive state marching band title.

The members also highlighted Santa on Sale Street, which will be taking place from 9 a.m. to noon. on December 13.

The next Ellettsville Town Council meeting will be held on November 24.

Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission Discusses the Potential Merging of Governments

The Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission met on Monday, November 10th. Town manager Mike Farmer addressed the commission to talk about a possible merging of governments.

At one point in the discussion, Commissioner William Ellis made a point to establish the priorities associated with this plan.

Farmer clarified that in order for this possibility to become a reality, there would have to be a general public vote in November 2026.

The Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission will meet again on Monday, November 24th.

Feature Report:

At the corner of Kinser Pike and the State Road 45/46 bypass, you will see a billboard that says “Indiana University Covered Up the Truth: What Are They Hiding?” The billboard campaign was launched by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE. Since they launched over two decades ago, FIRE has become one of the nation’s leading advocates for free speech on college campuses. In their latest report ranking free speech on college campuses across the country, Indiana University ranked the worst public college. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Zoe Moczek speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer at FIRE, about their recent billboard campaign and concerns they have about freedom of speech at IU. That’s coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Bella Inman joined a few clubs during her freshman year at Indiana University, but they didn’t give her what she wanted..so she created her own. Friends Club at IU is a social and philanthropic group for women. This year they are partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, raising money to support childhood cancer patients. She’s here to tell you about how members of Friends Club support each other and the community on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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