FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Fargo, North Dakota, Mayor Dennis Walaker, the man known as the "flood mayor" for leading North Dakota's largest city through several successful fights against the Red River, has died. He was 73.
City officials announced Wednesday that Walaker died at his home. He had been battling kidney cancer for several months.
Walaker spent most of his career as public works director for the city and became experienced in the protecting the city against flooding. As mayor during the record-setting 2009 flood he stood up to public officials who wanted to evacuate the city, which was saved with a massive sandbagging effort.
Walaker is a native of Leonard, North Dakota. He was first elected Fargo mayor in 2006, when flood protection was his campaign theme. He was re-elected twice.