New Hampshire

A New Hampshire school learned sign language to communicate with its only deaf student

Published

2 days ago

April 3, 2026

A New Hampshire school learned sign language to communicate with its only deaf student

Campton, New Hampshire — Seven-year-old Ben O’Reilly is deaf and has other special needs. A first grader at Campton Elementary in Campton, New Hampshire, his aide, Cheryl Ulicny, says that Ben had felt isolated at school.

“He didn’t have relationships with his peers or teachers, for that matter,” Ulicny said. “He was very alone. And he acted very alone.”

New Hampshire is one of the few states in the nation that doesn’t have a dedicated school for the deaf. In fact, Ben is the only deaf student in his whole school district. So, aside from Ulicny, there was virtually no one in this whole school community he could talk to. At least at first.

The transformation began when some of Ben’s classmates, including Reid Spring, started picking up on a few signs.

“If he’s your friend, you can play with him, and he’s my friend,” Reid said of Ben.

Then, the rest of the class decided to learn sign language. Eventually, other teachers in other grades began taking sign language classes and speaking in sign, even when Ben wasn’t around.

“It’s fun communicating with Ben and playing with him,” Reid said.

Ben’s adoptive mothers, Etta and Marlaina O’Reilly, were in shock when they found out how well he was being treated at school.

“It’s incredible,” Etta O’Reilly told CBS News. “I could barely breathe. Like it was just so overwhelming.”

Today, just about every Campton student and staff member knows at least some sign language. Ben’s parents say this has had a profound impact on their son.

“It clicked for him that the sign language had value,” Etta O’Reilly said.

Said Ulicny: “You could just watch his world open up with communication. It was amazing.”

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New Hampshire

Is Market Basket open on Easter? See NH grocery store hours on holiday

Published

47 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Is Market Basket open on Easter? See NH grocery store hours on holiday

Need to grab some last-minute marshmallow Peeps or eggs to dye on Easter? What about that glazed ham? Many New Hampshire grocery stores will be open on Easter Sunday, but their hours may be limited.

While no state laws prevent supermarkets from opening as usual on Easter, many opt to open with limited hours to allow employees to celebrate the holiday.

To avoid any surprises, shoppers should check store hours before heading out to the supermarket on Sunday, April 5.

Here’s what to know about popular New Hampshire grocery stores on the spring holiday.

Is Market Basket open on Easter 2026?

All Market Basket stores, including the ones in Portsmouth, Seabrook, Bedford, and Londonderry, will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Is Shaw’s open on Easter 2026?

Most Shaw’s locations will be open regular business hours on Easter Sunday.

Check the Shaw’s store locator for your local store’s hours.

Is ALDI open on Easter 2026?

ALDI locations will be closed on Easter Sunday, including the Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Salem, Dover, and Seabrook stores, according to the chain’s website.

Is Price Rite open on Easter 2026?

Most Price Rite stores in New Hampshire will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 5, according to a company spokesperson.

However, the Manchester location will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Is Hannaford open on Easter 2026?

Most Hannaford locations in New Hampshire will be open until 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, according to the supermarket chain’s website. This includes the Portsmouth, Londonderry, Durham, and Derry locations.

As store hours vary by location, customers are encouraged to check their local store’s website.

Is Whole Foods open on Easter 2026?

Many Whole Foods locations are open on Easter Sunday, but with modified hours, the chain’s website said.

The Portsmouth, Nashua, Nashua South, and Bedford locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers should check their local store’s website for details.

Is Trader Joe’s open on Easter 2026?

All Trader Joe’s stores, including the Portsmouth, Bedford, and Nashua locations, will be open regular hours on Easter 2026.

Is Walmart open on Easter 2026?

Walmart stores will be open regular hours on Easter Sunday, according to the company. This includes the Portsmouth, Seabrook, Salem, Manchester, and Concord locations.

Is Target open on Easter 2026?

All Target stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, according to the company’s website.

Is Costco open on Easter 2026?

All Costco warehouses will be closed on Easter 2026, according to the company. This includes the Nashua location.

Is BJ’s Wholesale Club open on Easter 2026?

Most BJ’s Wholesale Club locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Easter Sunday, according to the company. However, customers should check with their local club to confirm hours.

Is Price Chopper/Market32 open on Easter 2026?

Most Price Chopper and Market 32 stores will be open normal hours on Easter Sunday, the company said.

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New Hampshire

Three NH shooting suspects on the run

Published

13 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

SOMERSWORTH, ME (WGME) – Three suspects involved in a shootout on the run and are believed to be headed for Maine.

Early Saturday morning, police received multiple calls for gunfire on depot street in Somersworth.

That’s where they found a car and home riddled with bullet holes.

Nobody was hurt.

Forty-eight-year-old Robert Stiffler was arrested, and faces charges of reckless conduct and criminal threatening with a deadly weapon.

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Police believe three other suspects were involved, and are asking Somersworth residents to check their security cameras to see if they have video of the suspects.

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New Hampshire

Garret And Katie Grateful For WOKQ Listeners In New Hampshire

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Garret And Katie Grateful For WOKQ Listeners In New Hampshire

There’s something special about New Hampshire, and honestly, we felt it right away.

From the messages on the app… to the comments on social… to the calls into the show… you showed up for us in a way that meant more than you probably realize.
So seriously… thank you.

We want to thank Logan for his time with WOKQ. We want to thank Logan for his time with WOKQ. He has chosen a different career path and we wish him the best.

This first week of Garret & Katie in the Morning has been a blur in the best way. A little chaotic (we’re still figuring out what day it is half the time), but mostly just… fun.
It already feels like we’re building something with you, not just talking at you.

We can’t wait to get out, meet you in person, and experience more of New Hampshire and New England, whether that’s at events, local spots, or just randomly running into you at Market Basket, Kittery Trading Post, The Goat, Bank NH Pavilion, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom or Bernies Beach Bar.

READ MORE: New Hampshire Woman Hopes to Recover Late Father’s 1937 Ford Before Her Wedding

But before we do… we figured it’s only fair you get to know us a little better.
So here are a few completely random things about each of us…

🎧 5 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT GARRET
• I’ve been in radio since I was 15… which feels illegal now that I say it out loud.
• I’m the kind of person who will talk to my dog like she fully understands English… and honestly, I think she does.
• I always have floss on me. Truck, backpack… it’s a lifestyle at this point.
• I’m obsessed with cooking outside, if there’s a grill involved, I’m in.
• I will absolutely judge a grocery store based on the vibe alone… and yes, I’m still learning the full Market Basket experience.

🎧 5 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT KATIE
• She can go from zero to fully invested in a reality show in about 30 seconds.
• If there’s a group chat… she’s running it.
• She somehow always knows what’s trending before anyone else.
• Coffee isn’t optional, it’s part of the personality.
• She’s the kind of person who will make you laugh mid-sentence… and then forget what she was saying.

See you every weekday morning from 6-10am on New England’s Number One for New Country 97-5 WOKQ.

Garret and Katie

Iconic Diners in New Hampshire

There’s just something about a diner… the coffee that never stops coming, the same booth people have probably been sitting in for 30 years, and a breakfast that somehow hits every single time.

As I’ve been getting to know New Hampshire, one thing became very clear — this state LOVES its diners. And not just any diners… we’re talking iconic, been-here-forever, locals-swear-by-it kind of places.

So I went down the rabbit hole (and got very hungry in the process) and pulled together some of the most iconic diners across the Granite State.

Did we get your favorite? Or are you already mad we missed one? 😅

Gallery Credit: Garret Doll