Patricia R. Doxsey reports in the Daily Freeman that new Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan signed the "Skip the Straw" law June 20, banning eateries from handing out disposable straws to patrons unless they ask for a plastic straw. Restaurants in Ulster County are now required to post a sign saying, "single-use plastic straws are available upon request." The law should take effect in September. "We are again, at the local level here in Ulster County, leading the way, taking action," Ryan said. "To my knowledge, this is one of the most forward-looking, innovative pieces of legislation to take discreet action and contribute to solving this problem rather than continuing to contribute to it." The law passed the Ulster County Legislature 14-7. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.