The Express Newspaper 16th November 2016

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EXPRESS The

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Locally owned and proudly independent

BALL SUCCESS: Honey Ali-Allen, Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius, Senior Constable Aleda Day, Superintendent Rolf Straatemeier and Acting Inspector Mark Stewart.

Police ball had it all GLITZ and glamour combined to raise money for a good cause at Saturday night’s Tablelands Police Ball. Almost 200 people turned out for the Melbourne Cup themed-event, which was held in support of local po-

lice staff battling serious illness. Revellers, such as these officers (pictured), were wined and dined at the Mareeba International Club, taking part in Fashions on the Field, dancing and even race sweeps.

Storm terror Local farms damaged by wild weather By Michael Serenc AT least two Tablelands farmers are counting the cost of damage to their properties after a series of freak storms ripped through the region. Dimbulah farmer Carmine Rantucci could not believe his eyes as a system blowing rain, hail and winds pushing more than 100km/h appeared out of nowhere, cutting through his mango and avocado crop on the afternoon of November 5. “We were re-packing some pumpkins under the

shed. We could see it and hear it but thought it might miss us but then all of a sudden, it was just “bang”,” he said. “It wouldn’t have lasted more than a quarter of an hour. The wind came in, then the rain and hail.” Mr Rantucci said he didn’t feel scared as the storm hit, given he and his family were in relative safety under his packing shed. In addition to damaged fruit, Mr Rantucci said the storm’s hail cut through and damaged dozens of trees, which would now have to recover before

they could bear fruit again. Others were beyond saving, avocado trees ripped from the ground as the storm passed through in just 15 minutes. The second-generation farmer owns one of three properties situated close together along Leafgold Weir Rd with his two brothers Sid and Chris. But he said it was his 65ha farm that copped the brunt of the storm damage, along with a neighbour’s. Mr Rantucci’s wife Lorna said the system was

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spread over a 3km radius. “I’ve lived here for 38 years and that’s one of the worst storms I’ve ever seen,” she said. “Now what’s left on those trees will probably be downgraded from a premium grade to a composite grade, which will affect our price.” The following day, Mutchilba farmer Mark Yelavich watched on from his house in horror as a similar storm ripped off half of his farm shed’s roof and sidewall.

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The Express Newspaper 16th November 2016 by Carlo Portella - Issuu