How do I change categories on extra sections on front page?

[truthiness]

This is a version 3.0 question.

I have copied my frontpage div's to suit a layout change I want on my main site page. Two short columns with 5 posts each on the left adjacent to one long rightside column with 9 posts on the right, with the News section on the bottom.

The problem I'm having is is the blocks pull the same category information to both of my left side blocks (since I copied the same div). I don't see any other easy way to change the category info other than from the Church Options panel. The problem is when I change one, it changes both.

Is there any easy way from a code perspective to selectively choose which categories appear on the front page?

A second question would be how to add these extra category location fields to the Church options panel for easier administration?