Gene Fast, son of a prominent Deering farmer, was drowned in the Little Deep, east of that place. He was swimming when he was seized with cramps in his right arm, and called for help. Two boys swam out to rescue him, but he was so exhausted by the time they reached him that he could not hold to them. He sank never to arise. One of the rescuing party was nearly drowned.

Ward County Independent, 7/28/1910