About 5:30 p.m., Thursday evening, Feb. 25, the Hesston College campus went on lockdown after receiving information from emergency services about an active shooting incident at nearby Excel Industries. The campus was not in immediate danger, but due to the college’s close proximity to Excel – about four blocks – emergency officials instructed the lock down procedure.

Many Hesston College employees had already left for the day, but those who remained and about 300 on-campus students sheltered in place for nearly an hour and 15 minutes until receiving the all clear from emergency officials. All students, faculty and staff were safe.

“Our students and their safety are our top priority,” said President Howard Keim. “We’re grateful to local emergency services for keeping us apprised of the situation throughout the entire incident. Everyone on campus cooperated with the lockdown.”

Hesston College and Excel have enjoyed a long history of close friendship and partnership. Concern on campus Thursday evening was for the Excel community and all of those affected.

The campus community gathered later Thursday night at Hesston Mennonite Church for an update from President Keim, and a prayer service led by Keim and campus pastor Todd Lehman for the shooting victims, their families, the Excel community and the entire Hesston community.

“Our hearts go out to the employees of Excel,” said Keim. “We have been in constant prayer for them since we heard of these tragic events. We and others in the community will do all we can to support Excel in the coming days.”

Hesston College regularly holds lockdown drills, the most recent being about three weeks prior to Thursday’s incident. As students, faculty and staff received the automated lockdown alert, they immediately knew what they were supposed to do and where they were supposed to go.

“The lockdown went very smoothly,” said Rob Ramseyer, vice president of Student Development. “Our regular drills have paid off in educating the campus community as to each person’s role and responsibility for safety during situations like this.”

Friday’s classes and activities are taking place as scheduled.

Update

A community gathering is planned for 6 p.m., Sunday evening, Feb. 28 at the Hesston High School gym. The Harvey County Community Service of Lament and Hope is sponsored by the Hesston Ministerial Alliance with Excel Industries.