Mandan mayor Ken LaMont was hospitalized Monday after suffering a mild heart attack, according to city administrator Jim Neubauer.

LaMont is scheduled for quadruple bypass heart surgery today following evaluations by doctors.

"We're all kind of concerned and there are a lot of prayers being said for him. He's a good guy," city commissioner Dan Ulmer said. Ulmer, commission vice president, will take on the duties of the mayor during his hospitalization and recovery.

LaMont, 59, was first elected mayor in 2000 and won re-election in 2004. He is a professor of hotel and restaurant management at Bismarck State College.

According to city administrator Jim Neubauer, who talked to LaMont late Tuesday afternoon, the mayor was in good spirits.

"From what I've heard, Ken was feeling chest pains early Monday morning and dialed 911. The fire department and Metro ambulance responded and got him in right away," Neubauer said.

LaMont will likely spend three weeks resting and recuperating following Wednesday's surgery. During that time Ulmer will take over any day-to-day duties and take over the city commission meetings.

"Obviously everyone that works for the city has concerns for the mayor and our thoughts and prayers go out to him. We wish him a speedy recovery," Neubauer said.

"We'll keep things going while he's gone," Ulmer said. "We're hoping Ken will be back soon."