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Two Marion County businesses have been selected by Edible Iowa River Valley magazine as Local Hero winners for 2011. Brewmaster Joe Kesteloot of Peace Tree Brewing Company was selected as this year’s favorite Beverage Artisan while Lois Reichert, owner of Reichert’s Dairy Air Goat Cheese tied for favorite Food Artisan.

The Local Hero Awards program began in 2008 and each year hundreds of the magazine’s readers vote online for their favorites.

Edible Iowa River Valley magazine is published by an Iowa City couple who work to build awareness about supporting local farmers and food artisans.