Week In Review: June 27 – July 3

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ruling last week that effectively put the onus on parents, not retailers, when it comes to what kinds of video games children can buy. The ruling evoked a mixed reaction among industry insiders, parents and video game players around Ballwin and throughout the country.

Congressman Todd Akin, a Republican From Wildwood, criticised NBC in a recent radio interview for censoring the words "under God" from their broadcast of the U.S. Open during the Pledge of Allegiance. His statement "at the heart of liberalism, really, is a hatred for God ..." however, didn't sit well with some constituents, who have rallied to get a formal apology. In a , Akin didn't address the comments.

Josh James showed readers in the last week that there's more to a winning game than a powerful performance on the field. Still, the standout player for the Ballwin American Legion Post 611 team boasts some impressive numbers; with one recent game, James went 2-for-3 with a grand slam, a triple, a walk, seven RBIs and three runs scored.

A man who Ballwin police said appears to be responsible for more than 50 crimes committed locally and more throughout St. Louis county was apprehended after a foot chase with Town & Country Police last week. Law enforcement representatives said earlier last week that police in Ballwin were unlikely to formally charge the man, Jeremy Burkhalter, 27, until detectives conducted interviews at the St. Louis County jail, where Burkhalter was being held. Other municipalities, however, already have presented a list of charges that includes multiple felonies.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis announced late last week that a priest who used to work with Holy Infant Church in Ballwin is being investigated by Ballwin police. Few details were available, but a representative with the Ballwin police department said Fr. William Vatterott had at least one formal complaint made against him. Vatterott has since been placed on administrative leave.