Fire destroys independent grocery store

Fire around midnight Friday destroyed Dill’s Food City in Royston, Georgia.  The collapse of the building hampered fire fighters trying to determine if anyone was inside, but it was later determined no one was inside or injured — with the exception of one fire fighter treated for smoke inhalation.  Store buildings on both sides of Dill’s sustained smoke damage, but no fire damage. A state inspector is scheduled to return to the scene this week to try to determine the fire cause.  Dill’s Food City was an independent grocery store, started in 1935 and a business that had grown to 150 employees and was recently remodeled.  In a statement, the Dilworth family said, “We invite you to visit our Lavonia location and look forward to continue serving our wonderful community throughout our 88th year.”