Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spring Membership Drive


Donate now to support local news and music on WBOI

Long-time Auburn councilman dies

Long-time Auburn City Councilman Mike Walter passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
Photo courtesy of the City Of Auburn's website
Long-time Auburn City Councilman Mike Walter passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.

Long-serving Auburn City Councilman Robert “Mike” Walter has died.

He was discovered inside his home Saturday by Auburn Mayor Michael Ley and Dr. Mark Souder, after performing a welfare check on the 76-year-old, according to a release issued by Ley.

Walter, a Democrat, was the 5th District councilman since 2003. Prior to that, he served the district from 1992 to 1999. He left the position to run for mayor, losing to Mayor Norm Yoder.

Known for his passionate voice on the council, and sensitivity to the needs of his citizens, Walter was also recognized for riding his bike or walking around the city, regardless of the weather.

Walter graduated from Auburn High School in 1965, and Indiana University in 1968 with a degree in government.

He served in the Peace Corps, and the U.S. Department of State’s 107th Foreign Service Class from 1973 to 1975.

Walter also studied at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and obtained a law degree from Indiana University in 1979.

In the release, Ley called Walter a friend, and said he would be missed by many in the community.

Rebecca manages the news at WBOI. She joined the staff in December 2017, and brought with her nearly two decades of experience in print journalism, including 15 years as an award-winning reporter for the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne.