Community rallies around K-M teacher hurt in crash

Friends, relatives, and co-workers are rallying around a Kasson-Mantorville Middle School teacher after she was seriously injured in a vehicle accident last week in rural Dodge County.
Hannah Mickelsen, 24, was on her way from her home in Kenyon to the Middle School last Thursday morning when she was involved in a crash with a snowplow on County Road 24 east of West Concord in icy conditions. A semi-truck and trailer had gone into the ditch and a county snowplow truck had stopped to assist with emergency lights. Mickelsen was eastbound on the road and tried to avoid a collision but because of the icy conditions crashed into the right rear corner of the plow and spun into the ditch.
She was airlifted by Mayo One to Mayo Clinic-Saint Marys with multiple serious injuries.
According to her father, Kevin Fischer, she suffered several injuries including a broken arm, fracture in her back and fractures to her pelvis. He wrote on her GoFundMe page that she will need multiple surgeries to repair the injuries and will be in the hospital for several weeks and out of work for an extended period of time.
The Fischer and Mickelsen families have also created a page on Caring Bridge to update friends and co-workers on her condition. Lynn Mickelsen has reported on Caring Bridge that Hannah is out of the ICU and on Monday was undergoing surgery on her arm and pelvis injuries.
Mickelsen is a first-year teacher at K-M Middle School where she teaches seventh grade math. A Kenyon-Wanamingo High School graduate, she and her husband live in Kenyon. She graduated from North Central University in 2022.
“The Kasson-Mantorville Middle School teachers, staff, and students are rallying around Mrs. Hannah Mickelsen as she recovers from a recent car accident,” Middle School Principal Joshua Larsen wrote in an email. “As a first-year teacher at KMMS, she has already made a meaningful impact on her students and colleagues. During her time at KMMS, her passion for teaching, commitment to growth, and positive attitude have been felt throughout the school. One of her greatest assets is her ability to build and foster positive relationships with students. Whether in the classroom or on the volleyball court, she has inspired students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
“Beyond KMMS, Mrs. Mickelsen has quickly become a valued member of the Kasson-Mantorville community, forming strong connections with families and colleagues alike. Her dedication to education extends beyond instruction as she fosters an environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to find success. As she focuses on her recovery, the entire staff of KMMS stands with her, offering support and well wishes.
“We look forward to welcoming her back and seeing the continued impact she will have on our students and community.”