5 Years Later, Staples Man Still Missing

STAPLES (AP) - It's been five years since a rural Staples man disappeared, and authorities still don't know what happened to him.

Eighty-two-year-old Peter Achermann left his home to run errands on July 24, 2009. He was last seen on Warner Road by the Crow Wing River Bridge between noon and 1 p.m.

Achermann's car was found the next day stuck in a mudhole about six miles northeast of Staples. But no trace of Achermann has ever been found.

Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch says investigators have followed up on several leads, but there's been nothing substantial.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cass County sheriff's office. A reward of up to $20,000 has been extended for information leading to anyone responsible for Achermann's disappearance.