News from rural America.

A Trump executive order to overhaul childhood vaccines plus proposed alterations to Head Start mean big changes for America’s rural kids, not everyone likes Georgia’s data centers but the state’s folk-art garden is a must-see, and its “mooing” time in America.

TRANSCRIPT

For the Daily Yonder and Public News Service, this is the news from rural America.

Big changes are coming for rural America's kids.

A Trump executive order would overhaul the childhood immunization schedule.

Plus, the White House wants to change Head Start, the early child care, health and education program that's especially important for rural low-income families.

Jenny Maurer with the Wisconsin Head Start Association says for much of the state, it's the only licensed provider.

I think about how this rule could be a big step on the progression to losing Head Start in rural communities and how tragic that would be.

The administration initially considered ending Head Start.

Instead, they're eliminating requirements for small classes and disability screenings.

Maurer says another new rule, English-only classes won't work, because in some rural Wisconsin communities, some young kids only speak Spanish.

You need to be able to speak their language to help them learn English.

Data centers are multiplying across Georgia, from metro locations to rural counties, in spite of concerns about water, energy, and community impacts.

With 230 facilities, the Peach State is the nation's sixth largest data center hub.

At least 24 local governments have passed new building moratoriums, though a state-level moratorium stalled in the General Assembly.

Still, Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsey Bond says local governments are starting to ask harder questions.

I think a lot of legislators haven't been able to take the time and sit down to fully understand what data centers are, how they work, or how they impact our communities.

North of Atlanta, Chattooga County is home to Paradise Garden, four acres of creativity from acclaimed artist Howard Finster.

At 59, the Georgia Baptist preacher and repairman started transforming a swampy duck pond into an exuberant celebration of God and human inventiveness through collections including shoes, typewriters, and bicycle parts.

The garden is managed by a non-profit foundation led by Davia Wetherill.

He's one of America's most influential self-taught artists.

She says Howard wasn't rich, so nearly all of the garden's 5,000 pieces are recycled.

It's an authentic piece of rural American creativity and history.

And there's so many lessons.

You don't need to be wealthy if you have something to say.

And if you want to leave a mark on the world, you can.

Since Finster's death in 2001, the foundation has preserved the unique art installation and run public tours.

If it's August, it must be time for the state fair.

At the 10-day Missouri Fair underway in Sedalia, some of the cattle exhibitors were greeted by a Missouri State University student with a curious question.

Hey, do you have a minute?

What sound does a cow make?

Moo.

Moo.

Merr.

Moo.

For the Daily Yonder and Public News Service, I'm Roz Brown.

For more rural stories, visit dailyyonder.com.