FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

ST. PAUL- Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Helen Meyer says she's leaving the court.

The high court announced Thursday that Meyer would step down in August. 

In a statement, Meyer says she's looking forward to returning to the life of a private citizen.
Meyer was appointed in 2002 by Gov. Jesse Ventura. She twice was re-elected to six-year terms.

Gov. Mark Dayton will make his first appointment to the right-leaning court. Five of the seven justices were appointed by Republican governors.