Skip to main content

Site search

Search results

13 results found

Storage facility approved for parcel on Main Road in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens



View Larger Map

The land at 5981 Main Road is Stafford isn't good for much, according to Zoning Enforcement Officer Lester Mullen. You can't build a house on it and it's no good for agriculture because of the rocky structure under the surface.

The problem for years, though, is that

John Leslie Mullins

By Lisa Ace
John Mullins

We Have Lost a Cowboy.

The family of John Mullins (89) of Elba NY invites you to his Celebration of Life service at 11am Saturday, May 25, with calling hours 5-8 pm Friday, May 24, at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020. Burial will be in Western New York National
Cemetery in Corfu, N.Y., at a later date.
John Leslie Mullins was born September 4, 1934, in Antelope County, Nebraska to William and Vida Chase Mullins. He died March 28, 2024, at his son’s home in Fort Myers, Florida, with his family at his side. He graduated from Plainview High, where he was on the 1951 State championship football team. John was also involved with FFA and 4-H and won his first Stetson hat showing his champion hog. John was destined to be a cowboy for life. He owned horses and was wearing cowboy boots in high school and his senior research project was on Appaloosas. When he joined the National Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) as a lifetime member in 1952, he was member #360.

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA
stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.
John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.
John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.” John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

John Mullins

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.

John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.

John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.”

John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

Calling hours will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 24th 5-8 PM and May 25th 10-11 AM. His Celebration of Life will also be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 25th at 11 AM. The burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, New York at a later date.

Stafford Trading Post may move to new building

By Howard B. Owens

As long as just about anybody can remember the Stafford Trading Post has been located in the Odd Fellows building at the corner of Main and Transit, but that may change before long.

The Stafford Planning Board approved a site plan last night for the adjoining lot, 6167 Main Road

Sheriff's Office names Officer of the Year, hands out other awards for 2009

By Howard B. Owens

Deputy Ronald E. Meides, right, with Sheriff Gary Maha, was named the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 2009 Officer of the Year today during a luncheon at the department's Park Road facility.

The Distinguished Service Award went to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman. Pictured left to right below: Steven

Batavia out swings Canandaigua in opening innings to win 20-5

By Steve Ognibene
Excited Batavia bench, bringing in two runs early in first inning that carried the momentum to victory.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Excited Batavia bench, bringing in two runs early in first inning that carried the momentum to victory.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Blue Devils hammered Canandaigua on Friday, pounding out 20 runs in the first four innings, securing a 20-5 win.

Jakob Hutchins tossed evening innings, giving up seven hits, walking two and recording nine Ks.  

Offensively: 

  • Cole Grazioplene, 4-5,  4 runs, 2 stolen bases, 3 RBIs
  • Dane

Police Beat: Local man Tasered after allegedly trying to run from police officer

By Howard B. Owens

Chad M. Johnson, 23, of 15 Fairway Drive, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack reports that he encountered Johnson as a suspicious subject on South Main Street and when Klimjack requested to pat him down for weapons, Johnson allegedly refused. At that point

Police Beat: Batavia man accused of grand larceny at business in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Michael L. Jackson, Jr. 28, of 1 Seneca Ave., Batavia (pictured), is being held in Genesee County Jail on $25,000 on felony grand larceny and burglary charges. Jackson is accused of breaking into the Holland High Lift building in Bethany on April 11 and damaging parts worth $1,500 and

Town of Batavia Fire Department Open House this Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house at its station at 8382 Lewiston Road.  Lowe's is sponsoring the event through its "Heroes Project." The retailer has paid for 150 smoke detectors, 50 CO detectors and 200 kits for

No holiday on V.E. Day for LeRoy students

By Billie Owens

Attention parents and kids in the LeRoy Central School District: there's no holiday on Friday, May 8. That's VE Day -- as in Victory in Europe -- in honor of the unconditional surrender of the Nazis in World War II.

As of 4:30 p.m. May 5, VE Day was still

The Batavian 2009 Election Survey Results

By Howard B. Owens

Below are the results of the election survey taken of readers of The Batavian over the past three days.

Please keep in mind: 

  • This is somewhat experimental. We're curious how close we can get to accurately reflecting how the election will go. That question won't be answered until election night

Police Beat: Basom man jailed without bail for damaging 13 mailboxes

By Billie Owens

Justin W. Nanticoke, 21, of 7003 Council House Road, Basom, was charged with criminal mischief in the 3rd Degree (Class E felony) for allegedly intentionally damaging 13 mailboxes along Roosevelt Avenue in Batavia. The incident occurred at 12:48 a.m. on Oct. 24. Nanticoke was placed in Genesee County Jail

Batavia businesses that support The Batavian

We know you love The Batavian. Help support it by patronizing the businesses that make The Batavian possible.

Here is a list of our sponsors:

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
8 Center St., Batavia, NY 14020-3204, (585) 343-0548 Get directions
Toys, models, bikes, yard games -- Adam Miller in Batavia has a wide selection of toys and games and hobby items for kids of all ages.

Affordable Floor Covering
4152 W. Main St. Road # 11 Batavia, NY 14020-1235, (585) 345-1108 Get directions
The floor covering you choose for your home will be the most important feature of your decor. From area rugs, to carpet to tile and linoleum, Affordable Floor Covering can find the best option to help with your home remodeling needs. Ask About 0% Financing Instant Credit.

Alex's Place
9322 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020, Get directions
One of Western New York's most popular restaurants right in the back yard of Batavia/Genesee County. People drive from all over the region for Alex's ribs, steaks and seafood.

Anglican Community Church
101 Richmond Ave., Batavia, N.Y. (585) 343-5549
A church in the orthodox Anglican tradition in the heart of Batavia.  "We believe the Bible is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow."

Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
411 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y. 14020, (585) 343-4131
An unparalleled selection of guns for the Western New York sportsman, as well as all of your fishing needs.

Batavia Cycle Center
4988 E. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020-3431, (585) 343-7721, Get directions
Motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, genatorators, parts and expert repair.

Batavia Downs Casino
8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020-1272, (585) 343-3750 Get directions
From harness racing to slot machines, Batavia Downs is one of Western New York's premier entertainment destinations.

Batavia Muckdogs
299 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020-1615, (585) 343-4231 Get directions
Exciting short-season minor league baseball in the historic New York-Penn League and the wonderful Dwyer Stadium.

Blue Pearl Yoga
200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 230-5430 Get directions
Strengthen your body, increase flexibility, calm your mind and nourish your soul through the ancient practice of yoga.

Bonarigo & McCutcheon
1 Court St. Plaza, Batavia, NY 14020-3102, (585) 344-1994
Attorneys with expertise in business and corporate law, matrimonial and family law, criminal defense, DWI, wills and estates, and real estate.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 343-2823, Get directions
Family photos, wedding photos, graduation photos -- Carlson's provides the most memorable photographs available. Carlson's can also handle restoration of your old family photos.

Castilone Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, 306 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Whether you're in the market for a quality pre-owned car or looking for a great deal on the newest Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep car or truck you can get, check out Castilone.

Cedar Street Sales and Rentals, 111 Cedar St., Batavia, NY 14020-3338, (585) 343-4899, Get directions
Complete yard-tool rental center and leading local dealer of Cub Cadet lawn mowers.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY 14020-3204, (585) 343-7470, Get directions

Charles Men's Shop, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2200, (585) 343-2086
Ensure your tuxedo fits. Charles Men's shop can handle all of your special occasion needs, from weddings to graduations; also, a fine selection of men's clothing for all seasons with expert tailoring available on your purchases.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 815-0236. More than 20 years hair color experience -- "your hair is your most important accessory."

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main Street Road, 4169 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY 14020. From great strip steaks to an outstanding selection of sausagues, Clor's Meat Market always has the freshest, most flavorful meat you can buy.

D & R Depot Restaurant, 63 Lake St., Le Roy, NY 14482, (585) 768-6270. Great food, fantastic meals, cozy, historic atmosphere, D&R is always a great place to dine.

D'n'R Fireplaces and Stoves, 4103 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Custom fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY
This is one of those restaurants you will want to visit frequently in order to try everything on the menu, from the homemade Italian sausage to the slow-cooked ribs.

Diegelman Plumbing, (585) 356-3438
Whether an emergency leak repair, a broken toilet or complete plumbing installation, give Diegelman Plumbing a call.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 343-3922 Get directions
Whether for a wedding, a memorial or just to treat your home or office to a fine floral arrangement, The Enchanted Florist can provide you with the perfect bouquet to meet your needs.

Fastec Automotive, 7184 W. Main Road, Le Roy, NY 14482, (585) 502-4623 Get directions
Fastec specializes in foreign car repair, including such makes as Toyota, Nissan, Saab and Mercedes-Benz.

Genesee Feeds, 3860 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020-9467 (585) 344-3231 Get directions
Horse feed to dog food, and all the accessories, including toys and chews, Genesee Feeds can meet your pet's need. There's a wide variety of goods also for birds, hamsters and more, including a refrigerated "deli case" for doggie sausages.

Great Kutz

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020-9569, (585) 343-9227, Get directions
Teas, spices, herbs, mixes, garden ornaments -- Herbly Wonderful offers a variety of items, some of them garden fresh, to make a house more of a home.

Holland Land Office Museum, 131 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2021, (585) 343-4727, Get directions
From Joseph Ellicott to the Batavia Muckdogs, learn the history of Genesee County through artifacts and guided tours.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY 14020-3201, (585) 343-3655, Get directions
Whether you're looking for a great hamburger or a great pizza, the combination of Jackson St. Grill and Belladessa's offers a great dining experience.

Kravings Kafe, 4152 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Soups, sandwiches, salads -- all fresh and flavorful and ready for lunch or dinner.

The Insurance Center, 50 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2109, (585) 343-2282, Get directions
Home and auto insurance from people who care, providing personalized service and the best rates available.

Lewis and Lewis, 8316 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020-1218, (585) 343-3218, Get directions
Workers' compensation and personal injury attorneys.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2223, (585) 343-0007, Get directions
Great pizza, wings and subs. Eat in a casual and comfortable dining area highlighted by scenes from old Batavia, or get take-out lunch or dinner.

The Mane Attraction, 99 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 343-3377, Get directions
Affordable hair styling, manicure and pedicure and massage all available in one convenient and attractive location.

The Manor House, 427 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2525, (585) 344-2345, Get directions
A spacious, attractive residential retirement environment with plenty of activities and opportunities for socializing.

Matteo & Mullen CPA, 23 Jackson St., Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-0444. A local firm for all of your accounting and tax prepreation needs.

Matty's Pizzeria

Max Pies Furniture, 400 S. Jackson St., Batavia, NY 14020-3806, (585) 343-6280, Get directions
Furniture for every room of the house, from recliners and entertainment centers to bunk beds and dining tables.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St., Batavia, NY 14020-3209, (585) 343-3270
An authentic Irish Pub in the heart of Batavia, with a large selection of beers and ales on tap and a lunch and dinner menu that is outstanding. The reuben sandwiches here are renowned.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, (800) 924-3879, Get directions
Oliver's is legendary through out Western New York, from its mouthwatering chocolates to its rich ice cream.

Optique, 113 Main St Ste 2, Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 344-1345, modern eyeware, stylish glasses, quality sunglasses and contact lens -- Optique is a full-service optician shop.

Pauly's Pizza, 314 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 343-3100, One of Batavia's legendary pizza parlors, with pizza, wings, subs and salads.

Pellegrino Auto Sales, 4060 Pearl St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020-9567, (585) 344-2658, Get directions
Sales, service and leasing. Buy your next car from somebody you trust.

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-1284, (585) 344-5551, Get directions
Pizza, subs and wings, with fast delivery and friendly service.

Present Tense Books, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 815-7640, Get directions
New and used books, greeting cards, stationary and other unique items. Stop by and find out about book events and signings.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 West Main Road, Batavia, NY 14020, (585) 343-8352, Get directions
Pudgie's is a family-owned, master garden nusery with a Cornell Extension-trained staff.

Reeb Family Moving, 813-8759 or 599-3563
Friendly, reliable, affordable moving whether you live in an apartment or a house.

Roxy's Music Store, 228 W Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-1939, (585) 343-7222, Get directions
Band instruments, accordians, guitars, keyboards, drum kits, sheet music and sound equipment -- Roxy's can meet the needs of any musician. Ask about music lessons.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 S. Main St. Road, Batavia, New York 14020, (585) 345-1616, Get directions
Handcrafted items, old country charm, candles, teas and toys.

Southside Deli, 300 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020-3602, (585) 344-2220, Get directions
Hot and cold subs, bakery items, salads, sodas and beer.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2232, (585) 343-1547, Get directions
A popular sports bar with a great selection of beers, multiple TVs for baseball, football, hockey and basketball fans and a great restaurant. Consider booking your party there.

Total Image Hair Salon, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020-3509, (585) 344-0342, Get directions
Call 409-8391 and ask for Sarah or Amanda Lowe for hairstyling and coloring.

Total Image Hair Salon, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020-3509, (585) 344-0342, Get directions
Call 703-3793 and ask for Dawn Williams for hairstyling and coloring.

T-Shirts Etc., 438 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020-2519, (585) 345-1993, Get directions
Custom printing and embroidery of shirts, hats and jackets, and also check out the store for a variety of locally themed t-shirts.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia, NY 14020-3201, (585) 343-3372, Get directions
Wedding sets, anniversary jewelry, diamonds, gold and silver, as well as decorative items for the home. Valle's also provide jewelery repair, sizing and custom settings.

Vintage & Vogue Inspirations, 36 Main St., Le Roy, NY 14482, (585) 502-5333, Elegance, charm and comfort in home decorating.

Authentically Local