In 2017, a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin grabbed attention online with a message posted in its front window, causing quite a stir across the internet.
Some words or expressions, like ”Merry Christmas,” can stir up controversy, even when they seem harmless to some.
In a world filled with different beliefs and traditions, what feels like a simple greeting to one person might come across as exclusionary to another.
It’s that clash of perspectives that can turn a seemingly innocent phrase into a hot topic. Take, for example, a Dairy Queen in Wisconsin that made headlines with a bold sign on its window — sparking a heated debate online.
For years, a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, has proudly displayed a ”politically incorrect” sign on its window. While locals have long been familiar with it, back in 2017, an out-of-town customer took notice and set the internet on fire.
The store’s owner, Kevin Scheunemann, is the one who put up the sign, and he stands by its message.
“I felt the sign was appropriate to hang in terms of being transparent about the views of the owner and staff supporting God and country,” Scheunemann explained to WeAreGreenBay.com.
The sign in Kewaskum
So, what did the sign actually say?
It proudly declared the restaurant’s stance on “political incorrectness,” emphasizing holiday greetings like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” and “God Bless America.” It also included the phrase “In God we trust” and offered free sundaes to veterans on Veteran’s Day.
According to the owner, he decided to put up the sign back in 2012, after a customer was upset by Christian music playing inside the restaurant.
“I just felt it was more appropriate to disclose these kinds of expressions,” Scheunemann continued. “It just seems that those kinds of values and principles are becoming controversial in society.”
Despite the occasional controversy, Scheunemann stands firm, willing to have a conversation with anyone who disagrees, but also proud of his values.
”Pretty tasteless”
But as mentioned, not everyone agreed with Scheunemann’s perspective. One customer from Oregon posted the sign on Dairy Queen’s national Facebook page in 2017, complaining about its exclusive nature.
This sparked a flood of negative comments, with people like Steve Thomas from Milwaukee saying, “I feel this is a pretty tasteless thing to have posted at one of your franchises. The part I disagree with is his use of the term ‘snowflake’… he’s alienating half the population by using that term.”
Thomas continued, “The other thing I don’t like is him belittling ‘safe spaces.’ Young adults need a safe place to talk when they’re struggling but won’t go because of the criticism they might receive. That’s why I disagree with this sign.”
Despite the backlash, many showed their support for Scheunemann, with some people even traveling long distances to snap a picture with the owner.
I just had to post this. Naturally, it was really busy tonight. This customer comes up to counter and says he has…Posted by Kevin Scheunemann on Saturday, June 30, 2018
In response to the controversy, Dairy Queen released a statement:
“American Dairy Queen Corporation does not encourage our independently owned and operated franchisees to post non-business related messages. This sign expresses the views of this independent owner only and does not speak for ADQ Corporation or other franchise owners. We expect our franchisees and employees to treat every customer with dignity and respect.”
New controversy
Then in 2020, the same Dairy Queen found itself at the center of another debate when a Donald Trump campaign sign, placed next to the restaurant’s parking lot, was nearly stolen.
CCTV footage showed two people trying to take the large Trump sign, but they couldn’t fit it into their car. Scheunemann, who posted about the incident on Facebook, even offered a $500 Dairy Queen gift card for information leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Love it or hate it, Dairy Queen’s politically charged sign has certainly sparked conversation over the years.
Whether you’re all for Scheunemann’s unapologetic stance or feel it crosses a line, it’s clear that his message has struck a chord with people from all walks of life. From heated debates on social media to those who travel miles just to snap a photo with the sign, it’s a reminder of how a single statement can ignite a much larger conversation.
So, what do you think? Does Scheunemann’s sign represent standing strong in your beliefs, or is it a step too far in today’s divided world?
Heather Locklear’s Tragic Details
In the 1990s, Heather Locklear was one of the most well-known and sought-after actors; but, in subsequent years, her star power started to decline. Does this stem from her making bad job decisions or from personal struggles?
The actress from “Money Talks” has struggled with a lot over the years, some of which have sent her to rehab several times. She has also experienced her fair share of breakups, love mishaps, and legal run-ins.
In 2018, a someone close to Locklear told Page Six, “We would hate to see that wasted because she has so much talent and beauty.” However, she faces numerous devils. She is left with no option but to resume her treatment and give it another go.
There have been many highs and lows in Locklear’s life, including heartbreaking moments when fans witnessed their idol fall from grace. The actress’s life seems to be turning around, even though she might have needed to hit her lowest point before she could rise above it.
The public has been made aware of Heather Locklear’s substance abuse issues, and it has been reported that she has sought therapy multiple times. When Locklear was admitted to a treatment center for the second time in 2019, her caregivers expressed optimism for her future, a source told People magazine.
The individual stated, “Everyone is hoping that this time will be different, but it’s difficult to predict.” The issue is that she’s simply repeating a previously learned behavior rather than trying something new. She may have attended treatment twenty or perhaps twenty-five times.
The source also highlighted how costly these programs were, and how detoxifications were often part of the treatment.
What particular problems did Locklear have? She was seeking help for issues with “alcohol, pills, and her mental health,” and the insider claimed that “she doesn’t want anybody to hold her accountable.”
There is therapy available if you or someone you know is experiencing addiction problems. Call the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Being well-known has the drawback of making any problems or infractions you may have into newsworthy stories. Every mistake an actor makes is well publicized, and every setback they experience makes for a compelling story. This also applied to Heather Locklear, whose struggles with drug abuse and mental health problems have been well-documented.
Rather than being able to handle these issues in private, Locklear’s 2008 admission to a rehab center in Arizona was made public. “There is no statement, and we will not comment about Heather’s location,” her representative said at the time to E! News.
Although she had some privacy, the article claims that she was there for about four weeks. According to reports, Locklear entered the Sierra Tucson treatment center with the intention of concentrating on her mental health.
At the time, an agent for the actress stated, “Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression.” “She entered a medical facility for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and she requested a thorough review of her medications.”
Heather Locklear is fortunate to have a large support network of people who genuinely care about her well-being. However, she must take full responsibility for her recovery and must have wanted to ask for assistance.
In 2018, she made headlines once more, this time around for her struggles with addiction and mental health problems as well as her purported refusal to accept support from her friends and family. Her family’s anguish was evident, and the news was terrible.
“Heather is not getting the required medical attention or mental health treatment. It takes more than just going to treatment for addiction problems. Additionally, it’s about receiving the appropriate diagnosis and care for any underlying mental health conditions, a person close to her told People. She withdraws from people, which makes the other problems worse. Naturally, you can’t make someone obtain medical care; they have to desire it, but it can be challenging for a sick person to endure and make informed decisions. Her friends and relatives are incredibly eager to help.
Positively, Locklear eventually received assistance and celebrated her first year of recovery in 2020. She expressed herself on Instagram (or, more precisely, she posted a quote that she claimed to be by Maya Angelou). Later, she promised to give hugs in the post. “One year of sobriety today!!!”
Over the years, people have kept an eye on Heather Locklear because she has been unable to evade public attention in her personal life. This covers the difficulties she encountered in attempting to manage her addiction. Fortunately, she had friends and relatives that cared about her recovery at all times.
Locklear made the decision to keep this private at the time, and while she would subsequently publicly celebrate her sobriety, she has generally been more quieter about the path she traveled to get there.
Though they didn’t seem to be close friends, Denise Richards and Heather Locklear did seem to get along. Moreover, they were neighbors. Once Richards started dating Locklear’s ex-husband, Richie Sambora, their friendship would rapidly deteriorate. However, how were Locklear and Richards acquainted? Initially, Locklear’s friend and former co-star Charlie Sheen introduced them; the two collaborated on the television show “Spin City.”
It is thought that Sambora’s divorce preceded the start of Richards and Sambora’s romance. (Sheen and Richards were also breaking up at the time.) Even so, Locklear must have been hurt by the news. “I’m sorry, but our friendship had to come to an end. Richards said to People in 2006, “The last thing I want to do is create a media frenzy like this, especially as I’m trying to get through a divorce.”
“What brought Richards and Sambora together was our friendship and the fact that we were going through divorces at the same time. “I didn’t take someone else’s spouse,” she declared to Us Weekly. “Have I dated the ex-husband of a former friend? Indeed. Did I end someone’s marriage? No. That would never have happened with Richie if Locklear and I were still friends. Before Richie and I became acquainted, our friendship had ended.
Although her career has slowed down, she has persisted in trying to make a return.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Heather Locklear was a well-known person, most known for her portrayal of Amanda Woodward on the television series “Melrose Place.” Even once the program was over, she kept getting roles, but the amount of leading roles she was cast in in the following years clearly decreased. Older actors in Hollywood are rarely treated well, but Locklear had to face her issues.
Was she ready to quit her work permanently? Nope. Locklear was ecstatic to be chosen for the 2021 television movie “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story.” Aside from having been sober for nearly two years, many viewed this as her comeback and anticipated great things from her.
In reference to her impending 60th birthday in 2021, she remarked, “I’ve always loved getting older because it means I’m alive.” I’m ecstatic. I was unable to care less. I could care less about how I look. My parents still think highly of me. My kid adores me.
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