Thanks for the welcome,
Welcome. I am originally from Portage and was just down in that area. The craft beer/homebrew scene seems to be really picking up!
Indeed, I've only started noticing beer in the last 2 years or so as far as craft beer goes I have been to a few beer festivals in my local area. I decided to start brewing my own just recently (8-21-11) do to that. It all really started for me in Shaumberg, IL at a Brewery/Restaurant called RAM with a Big Horn Hefewiezen about 2 years ago, It's been a tasty trip since then.
I'm looking forward to gaining Knowledge from all you great brewers out there.