City of Van Buren sued after not allowing Confederate flag to be displayed during Christmas parade The city along with Mayor Hurst is being sued after a Christmas float displaying the Confederate flag was not allowed in the parade. Author: Haleigh Schmidt Updated: 6:29 PM CST January 15, 2021 VAN BUREN, Ark. — Fort Smith Attorney Joey McCutchen announced Friday (Jan. 15) that he has filed suit against the City of Van Buren and Mayor Joe Hurst after a float displaying the Confederate flag was not allowed in the city's Christmas parade. According to McCutchen, ...