Caroline Lowe leaving WCCO TV

Caroline Lowe

Caroline Lowe, who has covered crime for WCCO TV since 1977, announced Friday afternoon that she's leaving the Twin Cities to work with her daughter in California. With the exception of sports anchor Mark Rosen, Lowe has the longest tenure of any on-air talent at the station.

Lowe, who is also a licensed police officer, will be going to the NBC affiliate in San Luis Obispo, Ca. where her daughter, Shelby Rhodes, is a producer. That station is also the home for former WCCO anchors John Reger and Jeanette Trompeter. Lowe will be managing the station's newsroom in Santa Barbara, which Lowe described as "God's country."

"It's really exciting to be having a new adventure at this time in my life," Lowe said shortly after telling the staff. "But this is the right move for us. My husband just retired six weeks ago and three of my four kids are in California."

Lowe, who was one of WCCO's first female reporters, won two regional Emmys and an Alfred I. Dupont Columbia award during her tenure. Her last day is expected to be May 4.

"If there was a place in the rafters of WCCO to retire jerseys, Caroline's would be hanging there very soon," said news director Michael Caputa in a memo to the staff. "I told Caroline this morning that I would have thought I'd be upset for her leaving us but after hearing about what a wonderful opportunity this is for her and her family, I can't help but be happy for her and wish her the best."