Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is celebrating Tangled Roots Brewing Company’s recent strong showing at the Great American Beer Festival.

“Congratulations to Scott Struchen and TRBrewing for taking home the bronze with their Sunkissed Blonde in the Fruit Wheat Beer category,” Rezin posted on Twitter.

Of 123 entries in the fruit wheat beer category, the Ottawa-based establishment, which grows its own hops and barley, and sources ingredients for the menus at its brewery and restaurants from local farmers and growers, placed third for its Sunkissed Blonde offering.

This year’s competition, which was held remotely, marked the largest in history with medals awarded in 97 different beer categories covering 175 different beer styles.

The event took place over 17 days and 34 sessions. The contest included 170 judges and some 9,680 beers that were from 2,192 different breweries and all 50 states. The winners were feted during the Craft Brewers Conference that took place in Denver that was also showcased via livestream on The Brewing Network.

Rezin has been at the center of attention of late for praising Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signing of Senate Bill 2408, the clean energy bill, which helps to keep the state’s nuclear power plants online and seeks to saves jobs.  

“It’s official,” Rezin posted on Facebook. “This morning the governor signed Senate Bill 2408, which ensures that our state’s nuclear fleet stay online and preserves thousands of jobs that they provide to our local communities.”

WQAD reports that Pritzker said Illinois is the first midwestern state to require 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.

"We can't outrun or hide from climate change," Pritzker said. "There is no time to lose. But what we can and must do, is fight to stop and even reverse the damage that's been done to our climate. As of today Illinois is a force for good, for an environmental future we can be proud of."