Patricia Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman Ulster County residents and business owners will have the chance this week to let newly elected county executive Pat Ryan know what they think about a local law that would prohibit restaurants and fast-food establishments from handing out straws to patrons. A public hearing on the Skip the Straw law will be held 5:45 p.m., June 12. The measure was approved by county lawmakers in May. Ryan was sworn in June 7. He will have until June 21 to either sign it, veto it or return it to the legislature unsigned, thereby allowing the law to go into effect without his explicit support. If the law takes effect, eateries would provide single-use plastic straws only to those who specifically ask for one. Skip the Straw is the latest measure adopted by the county Legislature aimed at reducing the amount of nonrecyclable materials generated in the county. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.