Around the Nation

GEORGIA

FEMA to help build hospital replacement

AMERICUS — The Federal Emergency Management Agency said yesterday it will spend $9.3 million to build a temporary replacement for the Sumter Regional Hospital, a southwest Georgia facility that was pummeled by a tornado in March.

The hospital, which serves eight counties, was struck with uprooted trees, flying cars and other debris during the March 1 storm. For nearly two months, doctors treated more than 5,400 patients in tents near the facility.

FEMA said the funds will cover about 75 percent of the estimated $12.4 million cost of a new building. The decision was applauded by Georgia’s two senators, Republicans Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.

The March 1 tornadoes killed nine persons in Sumter, Taylor and Baker counties, and caused more than $210 million in damage, demolishing dozens of Georgia homes and businesses.

HAWAII

Three arrested in counterfeiting plot

HONOLULU — Three persons were arrested for bleaching $1 notes and using a computer printer to make them look like $100 bills, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Marc Antolin, his wife Milani Antolin and her sister Sherilyn Milan were charged with conspiring to produce $100, $50 and $20 notes. They each face 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

KANSAS

Sergeant held in soldier’s death

JUNCTION CITY — A Fort Riley soldier was arrested in the weekend shooting death of another soldier from his battalion, authorities said.

Spc. Christian Quinones, 21, was fatally shot in the chest late Saturday in an apartment building in Junction City, authorities said.

Police arrested Sgt. Castulo J. Salas, 27, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter early Sunday, police Capt. Tim Brown said. He appeared in court yesterday and was assigned a public defender. Bond was set at $50,000, and another hearing was set for Thursday.

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