Stanley G. Lasarsky, 92, of Allen lost his life Thursday, July 15 ^th , in a farm/tractor accident southwest of Allen in a private property pasture on Highway 1. The incident occurred about 10:00 p.m. and Lasarsky was pinned for approximately four hours before being released. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident occurred when a Ford farm tractor, parked and running, slipped gears and rolled backwards onto Lasarsky. The official report by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol listed “defective equipment” as the cause of the fatality.

Investigating officer was Trooper Chase Mass of the Johnston/Marshall County Detachment of Troop F, assisted by the Allen Fire Department, Ada Fire Department, Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy EMS, and the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner Investigator Leroy Johnson.

The official announcement was made July 11 ^th , naming Allen resident Lewis J. Johnson as Chief-Elect of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Johnson defeated incumbent Greg P. Chilcoat in the July 10 ^th election, receiving 59.5210% of the votes cast. Chilcoat received 387 votes; Johnson 1019; and challenger Sena Michelle Yesslith, 306 votes.

Johnson has served as the tribe’s assistant chief since 2013. His election platform largely focused on his time in tribal government. His campaign slogan, “Established experience does matter,” highlighted his nearly 30 years involved in tribal government.

Prior to being elected assistant chief in 2013, Johnson served two terms on the General Council and as band chief of the Tallahassee Band. Johnson has served as chairman of the Constitution Revision Committee, chairman of the Tribal Law Codification Committee, co-chairman of the Arts and Culture Committee, commissioner of the Housing Authority of the Seminole Nation and a member of the Administration Appeals Board. Headquartered in Wewoka, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma’s jurisdiction encompasses Seminole County.

In an election statement Assistant Chief/Chief-Elect Johnson said, “Members of the Great Seminole Nation of Oklahoma: it is with much gratitude from within my heart to be elected the Chief of the Seminole Nation! We all share the culture, heritage and history of a strong people who have proven over the centuries to have much resilience and resolve.

“I personally appreciate your overwhelming support, not only in this election but also the support consistently shown for many years.

“I am grateful to be a combination of the past era and the developing modern times along with the knowledge, experience and to some extent the imparted wisdom of the elders.

“Together we will experience Restoration, Reconciliation, Resolve, and bring back Respect to the Great Seminole nation of Oklahoma in serving our tribal members to the best of our abilities with the blessings of the Creator, because He truly is worthy of all honor and praise.

“I invite everyone out to the September Quarterly Council meeting to be held Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. on the grounds of the historic Mekusukey Mission, Seminole, Oklahoma, when the Oath of Office of both the Chief, Assistant