Wednesday News Brief

NEW SUPERINTENDENT TAKES OVER AT PEMBROKE

Pembroke Central School has a new superintendent, with Paul Galgovich officially beginning the job this week.
Galgovich comes to Pembroke after seven years as principal at Wilson High School in Niagara County. Earlier in his career, he worked in special education and held several other administrative positions.
He says one of his first goals is simply getting to know the district — from students and staff to parents and community members.
Galgovich told employees during a September 1st conference day that he plans to spend his early time listening, learning and building relationships before making major decisions.
School officials say his emphasis on service, responsibility and community made him a strong fit for the district.
He takes over following the July retirement of Matt Calderon, with Keith Palmer having served in the interim.

MAX PIES FURNITURE CLOSES AFTER 121 YEARS IN BATAVIA

A Batavia business that survived four generations and more than a century has officially closed its doors.
Max Pies Furniture has ended operations after 121 years, with longtime owner Phil Pies retiring at the age of 83.
Pies spent 56 years working at the store and became well known locally as the “Furniture Man.” His son Steve, who joined the business in 2004, decided the family tradition should end with his father rather than continue into a fifth generation.
The business traces its roots to 1907, when Max Pies began selling goods from a horse and wagon before eventually moving into furniture.
Over the decades, the store survived the Great Depression, major changes in retail, the rise of online shopping and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phil says loyal customers kept the business going for generations, including families who returned year after year.
In retirement, he plans to travel, spend more time with family and finally enjoy some slower mornings.

SMOKE FOR HOPE FUNDRAISER SET FOR SATURDAY IN LE ROY

The Hope Center in Le Roy is bringing barbecue and fundraising together this Saturday with its “Smoke for Hope” event.
The competition runs from noon until 5 p.m. at Tracy B’s Farm Market and Brewery, with amateur cooking teams competing in wings, pork and ribs.
Admission is 25 dollars for adults, while children 10 and under get in free.
The event will also feature live music, raffles, a bounce house, face painting and other family activities.
Proceeds will support Hope Center programs serving families across Genesee County and the surrounding region.

STAFFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS CIVIL WAR PROGRAM

The Stafford Historical Society will host a free program tonight focusing on the Baker Brothers of Morganville.
Joyce Thompson Hovey will present the program from 7 until 8:15 p.m. at Stafford Town Hall.
The Baker Brothers became prominent members of the Union Army during the Civil War and were present during the arrest of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
The program is free and open to the public.

U.S. DESTROYS FIVE IRANIAN OIL TANKERS

The U.S. military says it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers Tuesday in response to repeated Iranian attempts to strike an American warship with ballistic missiles.
U.S. Central Command says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard targeted the ship twice over the past two days, prompting the latest American strikes. Iranian state television reported attacks on tankers near the southern port of Jask and around Kharg Island, with crews evacuated from the vessels.
Iran later said it launched missiles toward U.S. targets in Jordan, although American military officials said they had no information to provide about those reported strikes.
The renewed fighting comes more than six months into the war, as both sides continue military and economic pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s oil exports.

U.S. EXPANDS TRADE RESTRICTIONS AGAINST CANADA

The United States is escalating its trade fight with Canada, with the White House announcing a new ban on Canadian dairy products, most alcoholic beverages and motorcycles beginning in three weeks.
The move follows Canada’s decision to impose new retaliatory tariffs on American goods beginning Tuesday. Canadian officials say those tariffs apply at rates of 15, 25 and 50 percent across sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, farm equipment and electronics.
President Donald Trump is also directing federal agencies to exclude Canadian products from certain large, long-term government contracts.
The dispute follows a new round of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods that took effect in August, as both governments continue trading economic penalties and neither side has resumed formal negotiations.

Photo Credit to Pete Welker/The Batavian

GENESEE COUNTY SOCCER ROUNDUP

In Genesee County high school soccer action Tuesday night, Attica picked up a 3-1 win over Alexander, while Holley rolled past Pembroke 7-1.
Pittsford Mendon shut out Batavia 3-0, Le Roy edged Pavilion/York in a close one, 3-2, and Notre Dame defeated Byron-Bergen 3-1.
On the boys side, Byron-Bergen/Elba turned in a shutout performance with a 5-0 victory over Vertus Academy.
Pembroke also earned a clean sheet Tuesday night, defeating Akron 3-0.