DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley with a growing lead over challenger former Lt. Gov. Patty Judge. Six-term incumbent Grassley now leads Patty Judge, the Democratic challenger, 55 – 43 percent.

GUTTENBERG, IA (IRN) – The Guttenberg Police Department said a report of a possible child enticement last week was false. KCRG-TV reports three elementary aged children reported a man pulled up to them and yelled at them to get in his vehicle. The children ran away. Officers said the investigation showed the children weren’t being entirely honest. Officers determined the children threw a water bottle at the man’s car. He then stopped to reprimand the children.

NORTHERN IOWA (IRN) – Flooding is occurring throughout much of north and northeastern Iowa. The National Weather Service says the Cedar River will crest early next week at just over 24 feet. If that happens, a large portion of Cedar Rapids, including downtown, will be under water. Residents were evacuated in Waverly and Greene yesterday. Five inches of rain fell in Ames last night, causing flash flooding. Several cars were submerged up to the windows.

ROCKWELL, IA (IRN) – A DOT worker in northern Iowa was hit by a car in Rockwell. KIMT-TV reports 34-year-old Mark Nel of Nora Springs was directing traffic due to floodwater over a highway when he was struck by a car driven by 70-year-old Merlyn Tramel of Rockwell. Nel was hospitalized, and Tramel cited.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – A store clerk with a hammer thwarted an armed robbery at America’s Gas convenience store in Davenport. WQAD-TV reports the store has been the target of six armed robberies in five years. On Tuesday night, two men entered the store in hoodies, swearing at the clerk and demanding money, acting like they were armed. After being threatened with the hammer, they fled.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Iowa State football is No. 1 in something, although odds makers predict that will change this weekend. The 0-3 Cyclones lead CBSSports.com’s weekly worst 25 college football rankings heading into Saturday’s game against 1-2 San Jose State. Just nine of 128 FBS teams haven’t won this season. Iowa State, which has lost seven games in a row dating to last season, is a one touchdown favorite to win Saturday.