Big Whiskey's approved for $50K in CARES Act funds

Ozark-based Big Whiskey’s was selected for $50,000 in federal stimulus funds through Greene County, bringing the grant program within $10 million of exhausting its balance.

The County Commission yesterday approved its latest funding round, with $287,243 issued to small businesses, taxpayer-supported entities and an educational institution, according to a news release. The commission now has given the green light to $24.4 million of the $34.4 million in funds it must allocate by year's end, or risk the monies going back to the federal government.

The Big Whiskey's restaurant chain was the largest recipient in the small-business category. The company received funding for payroll at its three Springfield restaurants and its eatery in Republic.

In the county's latest grant round, the Springfield Downtown CID was the next highest, with a $17,000 grant for outdoor seating at downtown restaurants, according to the release.

The commission also gave the OK to $154,143 in grants for taxpayer-supported entities, such as $85,010 for the Brookline Fire Department, and $3,600 for Lil Owls Child Care in the education category.