South Belt-Ellington Leader

06/04/2026

After more than two decades of dedication to students, staff and families, Atkinson Elementary School secretary Elizabeth Eckols is retiring. Eckols first joined Atkinson Elementary School in 2003 as a physical education aide before later becoming the school secretary, a role in which she became a familiar and welcoming face to generations of Atkinson families. Throughout her years at Atkinson, Eckols worked alongside longtime principal Lena Ortiz until 2021, when Chris Bui became principal. Colleagues describe Eckols as dependable, caring and deeply committed to the Atkinson community. A proud Pasadena Independent School District alumna herself, Eckols graduated from J. Frank Dobie High School with the Class of 1980. During her retirement celebration, Eckols shared that although she is retiring from daily school life, she plans to remain close to her Atkinson family and visit often. “Elizabeth will truly be missed,” coworkers said as they celebrated her years of service and lasting impact on the campus. As for retirement plans, Eckols hopes to spend her days relaxing on a beach and enjoying a well-earned new chapter after years of faithfully serving the students and staff of Atkinson Elementary. Elizabeth officially begins retirement in July.
Left to right, are principal Chris Bui, school nurse Sandi Perry, masterlist clerk Martha Reed, Elizabeth Eckols, attendance clerk Jessica Carlos, office clerk and IMM Karen O’Connor and assistant principal Regina Barnes who recognized Eckols’ dedication to Atkinson Elementary.

06/04/2026

The Beverly Hills Intermediate seventh-grade Academic Pentathlon team were recently crowned national champions in the annual Online National Pentathlon Championship. Team members and coaches shown are, left to right, (front row) Ezequiel Pena, Mikaela Portillo, Camilo Cano, Brandon Covarrubias, (middle row) Coach Raymond Ulloa, Maximus Doan, Thi Nguyen, Sophia Chayeb, Isaias Regalado, Coach Dawn Nguyen, (back row) Coach Grant Pector, Valerie Hernandez, Alyssa Rios, Ariel Villanueva, Nathalie Mai, William Stollings and Coach Mackwell Hickerson.

05/28/2026

Collecting the most district victories as part of the Class 6A ranks in program history after going 13-3 in 22-6A play this season, the Dobie Longhorns varsity baseball program should have held its collective heads high following the completion of the 2026 run of things.
Granted, the season did not end the way the Longhorns would have liked following a first round playoff defeat to Ridge Point, but the Longhorns nonetheless delivered plenty of memorable highlights while winning 22 overall games.
The loss of several outstanding seniors to graduation, particularly All District performers Gio Ramirez and Abraham Martinez, the Longhorns will have some work to do in the offseason heading into 2027.
But the fact is that longtime head coach Miguel Torres and his staff have annually produced a solid program.
District champion Pearland earned both player of the year and newcomer of the year honors, but the second-place Longhorns were not ignored.
Ramirez, who on June 2 will represent Dobie high school at the annual HABCA All-Star game series at St. Thomas High School, was named a first team All District outfielder.
Sophomore third baseman Jaylen Aguilar was also named to the first team after an exceptional second season at the varsity level.
Four other players were named to the 22-6A second team, while still several others received honorable mention selection as well. For a complete list of the all district honorees for the 2026 season, visit our website at https://www.southbeltleader.com/Leader5-28-26.pdf.

05/28/2026

Dobie High School senior Alonzo Chapman (center) was recently awarded the Trent Paul Sims Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a senior football player who embodies the spirit of good sportsmanship, demonstrates a willingness to support fellow players, leads courageously both on and off the field and shows a desire for continual self-improvement. Pictured with Chapman are Bailie Ankenbruck and co-founder Steve Ankenbruck.

05/22/2026

Clear Brook City MUD will not have trash pickup Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Service will resume Thursday, May 28.

05/21/2026

The South Houston High School flag football program first went undefeated in the regular season and during the postseason tournament while competing against other PISD programs as well as those from Alvin ISD and Brazosport ISD. The Trojans advanced to area and regional competitions, where they remained undefeated on the way to earning a state berth. Members of the team and their principal and their coaches are, left to right, (front row) Valerie Rodriguez, Aniya Capers, principal Jennifer Stewart, Ariana Aguirre, (back row) coach Torrence Stevens, Mia Rosas, DeAiziah Foster, Julissa Sanchez, Sariah Albert, Ashley Ruiz, Chloe Barnes, Danna Rodriguez, Gabby Wilkins, Nicole Escobar and coach Christina Reyna.
To view the full story, visit our website athttps://www.southbeltleader.com/Leader5-21-26.pdf

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

A local resident reported seeing a copperhead snake twice in the past two weeks along the wooded area of the South Belt Hike and Bike Trail near Blackhawk Boulevard and Dixie Farm Road. Trail users are encouraged to remain alert, especially when walking pets during evening hours.

04/10/2026

Houston police have released surveillance video of six persons of interest wanted for questioning in the fatal shooting of one man and wounding of another at 12330 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) about 5 a.m. on April 4.

The persons of interest are wanted for questioning and are described only as three males and three females. Two vehicles might also be associated with the persons of interest and are described as a red or maroon sedan and a white SUV. Surveillance video of the persons of interest as well as the vehicles is attached to this news release.

The victim is identified as Miguel Padila, 33.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant A. Dudley and Detective K. Heaverlo reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting at a business at the above address. They located an unresponsive male in the parking lot and a second injured male inside the building. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the male in the parking lot deceased and transported the injured male to an area hospital. He is expected to survive his injury.

Further investigation identified six persons of interest.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the persons of interest in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

This is surveillance video of six persons of interest wanted for questioning in the fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another at 12330 Gulf Freew...