What to Watch on Wednesday: The Reaper returns to "Criminal Minds"

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County's DSS receives high marks

Chatham County's Department of Social Services was one of five agencies in the state to receive a perfect score of 100 percent as part of the state's Child and Family Services Review. It is the first time the county has received this distinction, said John Tanner, director of the department.

The two-year review by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services requires 60 pages of documentation on each child welfare case, including interviews of family members, social workers and other agencies serving the family.

Richard Petty's wife Lynda diagnosed with lymphoma

Lynda Petty, the wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, has been diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma.

In a statement Thursday, the Petty family said she will be treated at Duke University Medical Center. Richard Petty said in the statement that his wife is in "good hands" and the family is "very optimistic" that her treatment will be successful.

The family thanked friends and fans for their support, and asked to have their privacy respected during her illness.

HOW IT WORKS

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has built more than 140 homes in the past 20 years for families in need.

Families pay $1,000 in closing costs. Habitat provides a zero-interest mortgage of about $67,500, which families pay monthly: About $450 per month goes to a revolving fund that the agency uses to build more houses.

Katrina evacuees put roots in Durham

The Durham Housing Authority is working with federal officials to provide some homes to New Orleans residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

So far five families have moved into the agency's public housing communities and two other families have received Section 8 rental vouchers to live in Durham.

Larry Jones, interim executive director of the authority, said the agency has indicated to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that it can accommodate 120 families in Durham. Jones, former director of the Housing Authority of New Orleans, said he lost his own home in that city. More than 35 members of his extended family are staying with relatives in other states.

Staal takes leave of absence

Canes forward Eric Staal missed practice today and will not play tomorrow in Nashville, taking a personal leave of absence because of a death in his wife's family.

Staal returned to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Tanya Staal's sister, Tamara Stephenson, passed away in Thunder Bay on Tuesday following a long fight with cancer. She was 26.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tanya and Eric during this difficult time for their family,” said general manager Jim Rutherford.