FOSSTON, Minn. — Police detained an 11-year-old after a gun was located at the elementary school in Fosston, Minnesota.

According to a report from the Fosston Police Department, the incident occurred on Thursday, Jan. 2. Fosston is a town in northwest Minnesota, approximately 45 miles west of Bemidji and 70 miles east of Grand Forks.

When police arrived at the school, a weapon was located and seized and the male suspect detained.

The release said the incident is under investigation.

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(FOX 9) – The holidays are behind us, but one thing you still want to be vigilant about is the rise in illnesses after spending time with loved ones.

Sickness outbreaks

What we know: Health experts are keeping an eye on COVID-19, the Flu and RSV.

Meanwhile, they’ve noticed an outbreak of norovirus, also known as the stomach flu.

“We’re at about 60 outbreaks reported, and that means more than 1,200 people were sick,” said Amy Saupe, Senior Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health.

While that’s a small portion of all the illnesses in the state at the time, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says it’s seen twice as many outbreaks reported as it typically would see for the month of December.

“We’re seeing the test positive rates and the total positive tests in these large laboratory systems increasing,” said Dr. Frank Rhame, Infectious Disease Physician with Allina Health.

What you can do

Sickness prevention: Experts say the best way to protect yourself from getting unwanted vomiting and diarrhea, is by doing the basics.

“Always wash your hands 20 seconds, soap and water before eating anything, just in case you’ve touched something that might have norovirus on it,” said Saupe.

Experts also say if you’re sick – don’t prepare food for others.

As for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV and the Flu?

“We are lower now than we were at this time last year,” said Melissa McMahon, Epidemiology Supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Health.

But lower doesn’t necessarily mean your chances are lower.

MDH says COVID-19 has been fairly high, but steady in the last month. The flu and RSV are both on the rise just in the last two to three weeks.

“It is kind of common to see that increase right after the holidays, people tend to travel a lot. They get together in big groups,” said McMahon.

Health experts add they don’t expect the rise in illnesses to end until at least March. But they do expect an uptick in the next couple of months.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are set to open to the public on Friday.

Minnesota Ice Castles

What we know: Ice Castles announced on Thursday that crews have been working around the clock to battle the recent warm temperatures, and their hard work has paid off as the frozen attraction is slated to open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

The ice castles are a favorite winter attraction in Minnesota each year. Crews built ice structures lit up with LED lights embedded in the ice that create a sparkling spectacle. This year’s winter wonderland will include ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, ice sculptures, a fire show, an ice bar and more. 

What they’re saying: “We are thrilled to open the icy gates for Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts and make up for last year’s lack of winter. This year, we’re bringing the enchanting magic of Ice Castles to life, infused with the excitement and flair of Minnesota State Fair cuisine,” said Kyle Standifird, CEO of Ice Castles. “The natural beauty of the fairgrounds’ tree-lined landscapes combines perfectly with the wonder of our frozen creations, creating a truly magical destination to experience.”

Dig deeper: Last year, the Ice Castles were held in Maple Grove, but due to an unusually warm winter in Minnesota, it had an abbreviated season and closed after only a little over a week. In previous years, the attraction was held in New Brighton, Eden Prairie, Stillwater and Excelsior.

Tickets can be purchased online and start at $17 for general admission and $12 for children. To learn more, visit the Ice Castles website here.