DeKALB – The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) recommended the creation of a new public mural in downtown DeKalb at the City Council meeting on Monday.

The mural is meant to honor the city’s historical connection to Lincoln Highway, paying tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and the signing of the Declaration of Independence as part of the America 250 DeKalb initiative. 

What is proposed to be located at the corner of North Seventh Street and East Lincoln Highway, the proposed mural, painted by Kirsten Sandlin, will include national and local history. Featuring visuals from Times Square to the Golden Gate Bridge, the mural symbolizes a shared national journey.

The mural will also feature an image of President Lincoln beside his words from an 1858 Chicago speech: “Let us unite as one people throughout this land, until we shall once more stand up declaring that all men are created equal,” Lincoln said. 

The project has gained strong support from the DeKalb community, as it serves as a centerpiece of freedom, equality and unity. The $38,500 project is funded through the America250 DeKalb budget, with a pending 50/50 matching grant application to the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Alongside the mural, America250 DeKalb proposed a “Pause for Patriotism” during the opening of City Council meetings and installing various art installations in downtown DeKalb. 

The proposed installation will be located between 235 E. Lincoln Highway and 229 E. Lincoln Highway. Over time, there has been discussion of enhancing the pedestrian pass-through with additional lighting, and it has received positive community feedback. The project, led by Elisa Boughner, supports local organizations through the ideas of freedom and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The project will cost $53,400 and is set to be completed by June 15, 2026, if approved.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes noted the importance of these two installations for the DeKalb community. 

“Sometimes I think it’s important to carve a little out of our budget to beautify our community, and I think that there is an overwhelming amount of people out there that when they see it, they think ‘wow, that’s really cool’,” Barnes said.

At the meeting, the DeKalb City Council voted to approve the annexation and zoning of 114 acres off the corner of Peace Road and Fairview Dr to begin construction of a new truck stop.

The truck stop will feature a gas station, convenience store, restaurant, and packaged liquor store. The stop will allow for more truck parking in the city area, providing drivers with a better place to rest.

Barb Larson, the 2nd Ward Alderwoman in DeKalb, views the truck stop as a positive opportunity for the community. 

“This is also providing services for our residents as well, so that’s why I think it’s a win-win.” 

Current Wall

Proposed Mural

The wall sits with an outline of the previous mural on Monday at 107 N. 7th St. The mural will be completed by mid-June and done by artist Kirsten Sandlin. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star) (Totus Tuus Keely)