Tell City Mayor Chris Cail

09/16/2026

09/12/2026

⬇️🚨⚠️ Please Read below⚠️🚨⬇️
We want this to be a fun event for everyone, but safety WILL be prioritized first and foremost.

𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

Draggin’ Main is an event that many in our community look forward to every year. It is an opportunity to celebrate our community, enjoy the cars, reconnect with friends and neighbors, and experience a tradition that has become an important part of Tell City.

We support that tradition.

At the same time, Draggin’ Main presents unique challenges for law enforcement. Large crowds, pedestrians, vehicles, and increased traffic throughout the downtown area require our officers to remain particularly attentive to public safety.

As you prepare to attend this year’s event, whether you are participating, spectating, walking through downtown, or simply driving through, we ask that you take a moment to understand our perspective.

OUR OFFICERS WILL BE THERE, TOO.

For many of our officers, Draggin’ Main means working while their families, friends, and neighbors are enjoying the event. They will be wearing a uniform and operating marked police vehicles, making them highly visible throughout the evening.

With that visibility comes significant responsibility.

Our officers are there because you expect them to be there when something goes wrong. You expect them to respond to emergencies, protect pedestrians, prevent dangerous situations, and enforce the law when necessary.

But there is an honest conversation worth having……

That responsibility does not disappear because it is Draggin’ Main.

Over the years, our department has received criticism from both sides of this issue. Some believe officers enforce too aggressively. Others believe we do not enforce enough.

Quite honestly, that can leave our officers feeling caught between two expectations….what can only be described as being “danged if you do, danged if you don’t.”

We understand that Draggin’ Main is different from an ordinary night in downtown Tell City. We understand the excitement, the tradition, and the desire to have a good time.

But our responsibility remains the same.

𝑬𝑵𝑭𝑶𝑹𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑰𝑺 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑮𝑶𝑨𝑳. 𝑺𝑨𝑭𝑬𝑻𝒀 𝑰𝑺.

Our officers are not coming to Draggin’ Main looking for reasons to issue citations or make arrests. However, we cannot simply disregard dangerous or unlawful behavior because it is an annual tradition.

We must, and we will, respond to citizen complaints and safety concerns that we observe.

Every year, we are asked whether burnouts are permitted.

The answer has always been—and remains—NO.

Regardless of your experience behind the wheel, a burnout intentionally breaks traction on a vehicle in an area where pedestrians, other vehicles, fixed objects, and unexpected hazards may be nearby.

Loss of control can happen in an instant.

A crowded downtown street leaves very little room for error. A vehicle that unexpectedly loses control can turn what was intended to be entertainment into a serious crash, significant property damage, or a life-changing injury. Tire and vehicle debris can also create additional hazards for pedestrians and other motorists.

We are also aware that some residents have chosen to leave Draggin’ Main early in previous years because they no longer felt safe with the driving behavior occurring around them, particularly those attending with their children.

That matters to us.

Everyone should be able to attend a community event without feeling that their safety is at risk.

Our officers will work throughout the event to maintain a safe environment while allowing people to enjoy the tradition that makes Draggin’ Main special.

We ask you to help us accomplish that.

WE WANT YOU TO HAVE FUN.
Enjoy the cars.
Enjoy the music.
Enjoy the tradition.
Enjoy being with your friends and neighbors.

But please do it responsibly.

And if you see one of our officers working, remember that behind the uniform is a person who would much rather spend the evening enjoying Draggin’ Main with their family than responding to a preventable crash or tragedy.

Thank you in advance. TOGETHER, we can make the night special and enjoyable for everyone.

— Tell City Police Department

08/27/2026

Tonight, Tell City City Hall is shining pink in memory of Dolly Parton.

Dolly meant so much to so many people. We all know the music, the laughter, the big personality and the way she never forgot where she came from.

But her impact was felt right here in Tell City, too.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the United Way of Perry County, children in our community have received books in the mail from birth to age five. Because of Dolly, families right here in Tell City have shared bedtime stories, learned first words and created memories that will last a lifetime.

That may be one of the greatest parts of her legacy.

She used her success to give back, to help children dream bigger and to put books into the hands of kids she would never meet.

Tonight, when you see City Hall glowing pink, I hope you will think about the lives she touched, including so many right here at home.

Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the kindness and the love you showed to children everywhere.💗And most of all, for reminding all of us to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.

Tonight, Tell City shines pink for you.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.
We will always love you. 💗

08/16/2026

Tomorrow is SIGN-UP DAY! 🚔

The wait is almost over! Tomorrow evening, we’ll post the registration link on our social media page to reserve your spot in the 2026 Tell City Citizens Police Academy.

There has never been a better time to partner with your local law enforcement officers, learn more about the challenges we face, and gain a better understanding of the efforts that go into serving our community.

We would love the opportunity to share our time, experiences, and knowledge with you.

📅 Registration opens tomorrow evening — August 17!
⚠️ Limited spots are available, so don’t wait!

Stay tuned. Watch for the link. Then sign up and join us!

Tell City Citizens Police Academy 2026
Learn. Connect. Serve. 🚔

08/07/2026

Only TWO days left of Schweizer Fest! 🍎

Be sure to join us today and tomorrow and make them count! Make memories, see familiar faces, enjoy everything our community has to offer, support the many local organizations that make a difference throughout the year, and most importantly… HAVE FUN!

Schweizer Fest is one of those special times that reminds us just how great it is to call Tell City and Perry County....home.

See you at the Fest! 🇨🇭🎡

08/07/2026

A huge thank you to Chadwick Jerame Benefield and Mary-Katherine Maddox for spending part of your Wednesday with us here in Tell City!

From jumping right in and competing in our annual pie eating contest to taking the time afterward to share such a wonderful and detailed article about Tell City and Schweizer Fest, we truly appreciate you both!

It means a lot when people come into our community and not only have a good time, but really take the time to experience what makes Tell City special and then share that with others.

Thank you both for helping make this year’s Schweizer Fest even more memorable. We loved having you in Tell City and hope we get to welcome you back again soon!

Our love letter to Tell City, Indiana!

07/30/2026

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the preview performance of Shrek The Musical, and it was absolutely fantastic! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

We were blown away by the talent, dedication, and passion of this incredible cast made up of members of our own community. From start to finish, it was entertaining, heartfelt, and a true testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together.

A HUGE thank you to Tell City Regional Arts, the volunteers, sponsors, cast, crew, and everyone who helped bring this production to life. You have created something really special for Tell City.

If you're looking for a great family outing, date night, or something fun to do with friends, or just a night out for yourself, this is a show you don't want to miss!

Opening night is tonight! Tickets are selling fast, and after seeing the show, it's easy to understand why.

Be sure to grab yours by clicking the ticket link in the shared post below. Congratulations to everyone involved on an outstanding production! 👏

Thank you for supporting TCRA’s production of Shrek The Musical! TICKETS WILL ARE ON SALE TODAY, TUESDAY, JULY 7TH. Your attendance, generosity, and encouragement make community theatre possible. We are grateful for your support and hope you enjoy the show!

07/30/2026

🍎Schweizer Fest is Almost Here!🍎

Schweizer Fest is right around the corner, and our community is getting ready for another incredible week of fun, family, friends, and memories. It's one of the best times of the year to celebrate everything that makes Tell City such a special place to call home.

As we count down to the festivities, I encourage everyone to consider supporting and joining us for the Schweizer Fest as well as the annual Half Pot. Not only will you have the chance to win a significant cash prize, but the proceeds help support many of the nonprofit organizations that serve our community throughout the year!

Every ticket purchased helps strengthen the organizations and volunteers who make Tell City a better place for all of us.

Let's make Schweizer Fest 2026 a year to remember! Thank you for supporting our community, celebrating our traditions, and helping make a difference!

🎟️ Be sure to get your Schweizer Fest Half Pot tickets before the drawing, and good luck!

The 2025 Tell City Schweizer Fest is here. Don’t miss your chance to win a life-changing sum of money in this year’s Schweizer Fest Half Pot!

06/11/2026

I enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with Nate Spangle and share the story of Tell City with a broader audience of 90,000+ followers!

Tell City has so much to offer—from our rich history and strong manufacturing base to our parks, riverfront, sports complex, trails and growing quality of life. Every chance we get to tell that story helps put our community on the map and showcase why so many people are proud to call Tell City home! 🍎

Thank you to Nate for the conversation and to Erin Erin Elizabeth Emerson and the Perry County Economic Development Corporation for helping make this opportunity possible.

Their continued efforts to promote economic development and community growth make a real difference for Tell City AND all of Perry County.