NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska City commissioners approved a Growth Fund loan to Jeff and Angie Lant as they work to open Lant Hardware at the former Mercer’s downtown location.

Jeff Lant told the city that since he went part-time with the Nebraska City Police Department he and Angie have had a greater focus on their rental properties.

Lant: “Our job has sort of been the handyman, painter, fix-it people and a lot of the products we were using came from Mercer’s. When we learned it was closing, we thought why not use our skills with these products to sell them.”

Lant said Gene Mercer and his family have built a great reputation in the community.

Lant: “It’s something we will do our best to uphold. They did well to have knowledgeable people here and we’re going to work real hard to replicate that.”

Lant said several family members with various experiences in construction materials and household maintenance are planning to work at the store.

The Lants expect an opening date for a Do It Best Hardware store on March 27.