Mountain Ear founding editor and general manager Steve Eastman on medical leave

Steve Eastman, founding editor and general manager of The Mountain Ear newspaper, is on medical leave for treatment of a brain tumor.Eastman, 56, of Kearsarge, is undergoing treatment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.During Eastman's absence, Richard Piatt, publisher of Salmon Press, will handle the business aspects of The Mountain Ear while assisting the sales department. Eastman's brother, Assistant Editor Tom Eastman, will continue to handle the editing, assisted by Mountain Ear editorial staff.Steve Eastman and his wife, Sarah, and two children said this week they appreciate all the messages of good will they have received. They look forward to his return to The Ear in the future. Get well cards may be sent to The Eastmans, P.O. Box 445, Intervale 03845, or emailed to sseastman@verizon.net. Eastman co-founded The Ear in May 1976. He was named Co-Employer of the Year by the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in spring 2005.The Mountain Ear merged with Salmon Press in March 2005.