'Eternal Flame' extinguished after city receives $961 gas bill

An 'eternal' flame, which was lit to remember war heroes, was today extinguished after the city of Bullhead, Arizona received a $961 gas bill.

City officials were stunned by the $961 gas bill which they received in December. "It caught us by surprise," City Manager Tim Ernster said Thursday. "What we decided to do for the time being is to turn the flame on ... for special events, for Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day - those types of activities." The flame was extinguished, but was switched back on later in the morning after a meeting of city officials, in which it was decided that a smaller burner should be used, thus decreasing the size of the flame, except for special events, when a larger flame will be on display. It is no doubt that this will anger some, as the flame was lit to remember war heroes, who fought for the country where the flame is displayed. "We're looking at alternatives, because $1,000 a month in these economic times is certainly a consideration," Johnson said.