Duluth woman, 100, lost home in flood

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- A 100-year-old Duluth-area woman lost her home of 62 years in last month's flood, but she's ready to move on with her life.

Hazel Lafler fled her home on Hunter Lake two weeks ago as heavy rains swelled the adjoining Cloquet River. She took only a toothbrush, pajamas and a robe.

The Duluth News Tribune reports that she finally returned Thursday to find a mildew-y mess in the home she and her late husband had lived since 1950. The home's appliances and furniture were ruined.

Lafler had no flood insurance and says she's too old to rebuild. She plans to move in with a niece and her family, and says she hopes to remain independent after living alone in the 40 years since her husband died.

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