By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Checks will soon go out to 10 Marion businesses and two nonprofit feeding programs to help with losses and costs caused by COVID-19.

The money comes from a $167,000 community development block grant given to the city in July. City council members approved grants Tuesday.

Marion Senior Center will receive $5,000 and Marion County Resource Center and Food Bank will get $30,000.

Businesses getting $10,000 each include Silk Salon, Sherbowl Lanes, Taco’s Food Truck, St. Luke Massage Therapy, Marion Dry Cleaning and Laundry, TC’s What Not Shop, Wagon Wheel Express, JR Hatters, Barely Makin’ It, and Edwards Café.

Mike Beneke, owner of Edwards Café, recently said he might permanently close the restaurant. City administrator Roger Holter said Beneke was told that if he closes Edwards, he will not be able to keep the money.

A second round of grants will divide the $17,000 remaining in the fund.