Heidi Collins has left KMSP

Heidi Collins, who has sat at the KMSP, Channel 9, anchor desk for almost three years, has left the building.

Newsroom staff at the Fox affiliate were told Friday afternoon that the Minnesota native, who previously worked for eight years at CNN, would not be returning after her vacation. Her last day on the air was July 29.

"It has been gratifying to contribute to the success of Fox 9 during these three years," Collins said in a statement. "However, I have decided to explore new opportunities. I am blessed to have several opportunities both in television and global business to pursue. Neither of which will be without my continued non-profit work of 17 years supporting our brave troops and their families."

KMSP general manager Carol Rueppel offered only a short statement: "We want to thank Heidi for her contributions to the Fox news team and we wish her much success in the future."

It's the second big shake-up at the local Fox station this year. Bill Dallman left his position as news director to help run Fox Sports One in Los Angeles.

No replacement for Collins has been named. A spokesperson said a variety of faces will fill in during the search.