By Clarion News staff
JEFFERSON CITY – When Mayor Carrie Tergin allegedly ordered the removal of two decorative paving stones from Adrian’s Island because she didn’t like the message, a federal lawsuit soon followed.
According to an Associated Press article, former city councilwoman Edith Vogel paid for two stones as part of a fundraiser for a new public park on the north bank of the Missouri River.
The stones read: “Union Camp Lillie notes: deciding against attack the confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price turned from Jefferson City Oct. 7, 1864.”
The lawsuit alleges that Tergin ordered the stones removed because the message referenced a Confederate general. Vogel’s suit claims the city did not have any guidelines or restrictions on what could or could not be inscribed on the stones.
Vogel says her First Amendment rights were violated. She filed the lawsuit in late March. Last week the city agreed to replace the stones and pay Vogel’s attorney fees.
Vogel was represented by the Bradbury Law Firm.