Not everybody likes Valentine's Day. There are as many reasons to hate the holiday as there are to enjoy it. The nearly obligatory cards, candy and stuffed bears can be a bitter reminder to the lonely or an irritation to those trying to bounce back from the expense of the Christmas season.

WKLC-FM (Rock 105) is turning the holiday on its head. This Valentine's Day, the classic rock station is giving away a free divorce to one "lucky" listener.

Jay Nunley is the station's program director and one of the key people responsible for the promotion. He said: "There is the lighter side of Valentine's Day that's all hearts and flowers. Then there's the darker part, where maybe you despise your spouse and resent the entire day."

Through Thursday at 4 p.m. at the station's Web site, www.wklc.com, Rock 105 will accept applications for the free divorce. At 5 p.m. Valentine's Day, a "winner" will be drawn.

"It is a real divorce," Nunley said. "You shouldn't do it if you don't mean it."

Charleston attorney Rusty Webb will handle the actual filing. Nunley mentioned there are obvious restrictions and limitations. The Webb law firm was unavailable for comment.

Nunley explains what's being offered is a service to obtain a relatively uncomplicated divorce. Neither the station nor the actual winner should expect Webb to spend a tremendous amount of time in court over the case. People expecting a long, drawn-out legal battle should go ahead and hire representation rather than rely on a radio contest.

"It's meant to be fun," he said. "The best-case scenario is someone who wants a divorce but can't actually afford it. It would be cool if their story was funny, but it's a drawing. We'll take what we get."

The radio contest is doing surprisingly well. Announcements started Tuesday morning and within hours, Rock 105 had received dozens of phone calls from listeners and roughly 30 entries.

"We thought we'd get some calls and maybe five or six actual entrees."

With just a day to go, they've had to adjust their expectations. Nunley says he couldn't be happier with the promotion. With tongue firmly in cheek, he says it's the station's way to really make a difference.

"Sure we can give away concert tickets, and we do. That's going to make you happy for a little while. This is the chance to make someone happy for the rest of their life."

To contact staff writer Bill Lynch, use e-mail or call 348-5195.

WKLC-FM (Rock 105) is turning the holiday on its head. This Valentine's Day, the classic rock station is giving away a free divorce to one "lucky" listener.

Jay Nunley is the station's program director and one of the key people responsible for the promotion. He said: "There is the lighter side of Valentine's Day that's all hearts and flowers. Then there's the darker part, where maybe you despise your spouse and resent the entire day."

Through Thursday at 4 p.m. at the station's Web site, www.wklc.com, Rock 105 will accept applications for the free divorce. At 5 p.m. Valentine's Day, a "winner" will be drawn.

"It is a real divorce," Nunley said. "You shouldn't do it if you don't mean it."

Charleston attorney Rusty Webb will handle the actual filing. Nunley mentioned there are obvious restrictions and limitations. The Webb law firm was unavailable for comment.

Nunley explains what's being offered is a service to obtain a relatively uncomplicated divorce. Neither the station nor the actual winner should expect Webb to spend a tremendous amount of time in court over the case. People expecting a long, drawn-out legal battle should go ahead and hire representation rather than rely on a radio contest.

"It's meant to be fun," he said. "The best-case scenario is someone who wants a divorce but can't actually afford it. It would be cool if their story was funny, but it's a drawing. We'll take what we get."

The radio contest is doing surprisingly well. Announcements started Tuesday morning and within hours, Rock 105 had received dozens of phone calls from listeners and roughly 30 entries.

"We thought we'd get some calls and maybe five or six actual entrees."

With just a day to go, they've had to adjust their expectations. Nunley says he couldn't be happier with the promotion. With tongue firmly in cheek, he says it's the station's way to really make a difference.

"Sure we can give away concert tickets, and we do. That's going to make you happy for a little while. This is the chance to make someone happy for the rest of their life."

To contact staff writer Bill Lynch, use e-mail or call 348-5195.