Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The family of an abducted Iowa teenager has released a statement after authorities this weekend confirmed the 15-year-old’s death. Kathlynn Shepard’s father said yesterday that the teen’s family has “lost part of its soul,” but that Kathylnn is now in a better place and safe from predators. Kathylnn was described as an innocent, caring and fun-loving child.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have identified a man who was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Polk County as 60-year-old Don Mike Cameron. The Ottumwa man was pronounced dead at the crash scene in northern Polk County on Wednesday. Investigators say Cameron appears to have crossed the center lane in a Ford Ranger while driving southbound on NE 14th Street, where he struck a Dodge Dakota. The Dodge Dakota was driven by 21-year-old Andrey Kritskiy of Ankeny. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — A Keokuk woman has been chosen as Miss Iowa and will compete in the Miss America Pageant this fall. The Quad-City Times reports 22-year-old Nicole Kelly won Saturday after a three-day competition in Davenport. Kelly is majoring in directing and theater management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Trevor Bayne rallied to win the rain-plagued NASCAR Nationwide series race in Iowa yesterday, becoming just the third series regular to win this season. Bayne caught pole-sitter Austin Dillon with 11 laps to go and hung on for his second career win.

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will gather Monday evening in the High School Media Center for a regularly scheduled meeting. On the agenda for the 7:30-p.m. session, is action on approving a lease agreement for a new mobile classroom for the Washington School, along with approval of an amended salary schedule for certified staff for the 2013-2014 school year, and approval of school bus bids.

The school board will review and consider bids for buses similar to those purchased last year. They included an 84- and 64-passenger bus. Together, those two buses, one of which is powered by propane, cost almost $193,000.

The Board will also discuss staff and other instructional support needs for the district’s Level 3 program for students with behavioral issues. Last March, the Board approved the 2013-2014 calendar year budget, which did not include funding for the Link Center. The facility provides various psychiatric and educational services to students. Last year, it served 19 students.

In other business, the Board will discuss a proposed Band/Choir trip, and Capital Projects.

The Audubon City Council, Monday night, will set the date for a public hearing to consider the issuance of General Obligation Capital Loan Notes not to exceed $175,000. If approved, the funds would be used to purchase a rescue/pumper truck for the fire department. In other business, the Council will act on a resolution authorizing the transfer of funds as budgeted, which in this case, amounts to $50,000 from the Water- to General- Fund. The meeting begins at 7-p.m., in the Audubon City Hall.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Friends of an Iowa mother and toddler who were shot multiple times are holding a fundraiser to help cover their medical costs. The Daily Nonpareil reports that the fundraiser is set for Saturday at Regal Lanes in Council Bluffs. Organizers are hosting the event in honor of 23-year-old Heather Wilson and her 2-year-old son, Tyson, who are both still recovering from the February shooting.

Authorities have charged 31-year-old Ronald Farr with attempted murder, willful injury and going armed with intent. The “Strike Back Against Violence” fundraiser will feature bowling, food, a raffle and a silent auction.