A sweetheart deal: Candy and a balloon will be presented to the first couple to apply for a marriage license in Lake County on Valentine`s Day.
Furthermore, their license will be issued personally by the county clerk, Linda Hess. And they will probably be captured on film by the media.
Other than that, Valentine`s Day usually is not a big deal, Hess said. On an average day, Feb. 14 included, the office issues about 12 licenses. Except in 1986, when Valentine`s Day fell on a Friday. That day there were 23 applicants. Because this Feb. 14 also is a Friday, the staff may need to gear up for an influx.
There also could be an increase in business because this is a leap year, and traditionally, women may be popping the question and leading men into the office in record numbers.
The clerk`s office in the County Building in Waukegan is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 7:30 p.m. most Fridays, but it`s best to check on the Friday closing time, Hess said. Phone 708-360-3610.
