Beautification-minded town officials have searched for years for some way to hide the ugly thick clumps of overhead utility lines that line Main Street. The subject re-surfaced at last week’s Madison Town Council meeting, but a solution remained elusive.

Even a light rain often leaves the walk in front of Miss Pattie’s House antique store full of water. The 70-year-old sidewalk at 203 S. Main St. in downtown Madison includes only a small water drain, which is regularly covered by fallen leaves or other debris, according to the store’s owner. Water frequently collects in front of his store, sometimes flooding his basement, he said.