Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

The sound of fireworks still makes Keon Johnson, 17, uneasy.

It’s been five years since the Shelbyville, Tennessee, teen nearly lost his left hand after an artillery firework exploded while he was lighting it.

While fireworks are synonymous with annual July 4 celebrations, it’s an activity the Johnson family says is best left to the experts.

“I grew up doing fireworks and my children did too, with adult supervision,” said Conswella Johnson, Keon’s mother. “But after the incident with Keon, my perspective on a lot of things changed.

“We do not do fireworks at home. We will wa...