There is life beyond the Current — and it deserves to be noticed.
While the Current River is beautiful and brings thousands to view it each year, what happens in the in between, when the tourists leave and the weather gets colder? Beyond the Current is a magazine highlighting Van Buren and the surrounding area from the eyes of a local.
Sharing stories that reveal the heart of the Van Buren community.
Van Buren is often known for a few familiar landmarks like Big Springs, the Jolly Cone and the Current River. Yet, life here is shaped by far more than what shows up on a postcard. There is life Beyond the Current.
Every community has stories waiting to be discovered. Beyond the Current exists to notice those stories and tell them well. We believe remarkable stories are not reserved for famous people or big cities. They exist in family businesses, random acts of kindness, lifelong traditions and ordinary people. Every story we publish should leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the place they call home.
We believe the size of a town does not limit its impact. We envision Beyond the Current becoming the publication that shapes how people experience and appreciate life in the Current River region. Our hope is that every edition inspires curiosity, strengthens community pride and reminds readers that extraordinary things are happening all around them—if we're willing to look a little closer.
We do not just report the news in Van Buren. We help people see the town differently.
It is not promotional
We're not trying to sell the place or convince anyone to visit or live here. We document what is actually here.
It is thoughtful, not fast
We are not chasing breaking news headlines all the time. We take time to listen, ask better questions, and tell stories with care.
It is people-first
Every person has a story worth telling, and that is where we begin.
Curiosity Leads the Way
We notice what others overlook because the best stories are often the ones no one thought to tell.
Stories That Build Community
Larger media outlets do not always have the capacity to share features of small-town people, but we do.
People who care about small towns and the people in them.
You don't have to be local to read it — but it's written with locals in mind.
Become part of it
Madison Mabry
A lifelong resident of Van Buren, Madi Mabry believes every person has a story worth telling. While many know Carter County for the beauty of the Current River, Madi has always believed life here extends far beyond the gravel bars. Ironically, it took leaving home to attend Evangel University to fully appreciate what she had all along. After graduating from Van Buren High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Journalism from Evangel University, where time away gave her a new perspective on the quiet strength, generosity and faith that define the community she has always called home.
As the founder and editor of Beyond the Current, Madi is passionate about preserving the stories that often go untold — the people, places and everyday moments that make Carter County special when the river is low and the tourists have gone home. Through journalism, photography and multimedia storytelling, she hopes each issue reminds readers that there is so much good woven into the fabric of this community, and that there is always more to discover beyond the Current.
madi@beyondthecurrent.org →