It’s a long way from Germany to Minden, but Michael Fluhr has not only traveled the miles, he has climbed the ladder.

Fluhr, who became a U.S. citizen in May 2010, began working part-time in the Recreation Department for the City of Minden after moving here with his wife in 2002.

When a job opening became available in the water department in 2004, Fluhr made the transition, and when his boss retired, he was promoted to superintendent.