Story Photos
 Jim and Paloma Grant operate Kalama Cab with this Suzuki XL7. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Kalama couple introduces cab service to town
Monday, February 11, 2008 5:31 AM PST
By Erik Olson
Printable version
E-mail this articlePaloma Grant has seen the sailors fresh off a ship walking through Kalama, and she thought they needed a way to get around town.
That's how Kalama Cab was born.
Grant and her husband, Jim, have been running Kalama Cab since the beginning of the year. They converted their four-wheel-drive Suzuki XL7 into a taxi by adding a rate meter inside and a light on top.
Grant, a former trucker, said her most unusual request was a midnight run to Portland from a customer hungry for doughnuts from the Voodoo bakery.
So far, her biggest source of fares has been from people who don't want to get behind the wheel because they've been drinking, she said.
"I've made a lot of money picking up ... people (who) were too drunk to drive but want to keep partying," Grant said.
Grant said she's available for cab rides 24 hours a day, but she requests 24-hour notice for airport runs. A ride costs $2.25 to start, then $2.25 per mile. A one-way trip to the airport is $60 and $115 for a round trip.
Most of Grant's customers have come from Kalama, but she said she's willing to travel to Kelso, Longview and other parts of Cowlitz County.
For now, the Grants only have the one vehicle. But if business goes well, she said she hopes to expand and purchase a second cab.
For more information about Kalama Cab, call Grant at 673-3343.
Nurse joins orthopedic group
Longview Orthopedic Associates has added a nurse to its staff to
help reduce waits for patients.
Elizabeth Mraz, formerly a registered nurse at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, began seeing patients Feb. 4.
"Elizabeth is outgoing, articulate and eager to do a good job," said Dr. Bruce Blackstone of the orthopedic association. "We feel fortunate to have her on board."
Mraz, a Vancouver resident, will handle initial evaluations and follow-ups, treat minor problems, make referrals to physicians and, eventually, assist in surgery, according to a news release from the orthopedic association.
She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2006 with a master's degree in nursing and completed her clinical experience at Capitol Medical Center in Olympia and Tacoma General Hospital.
Schroeder marks 20 years
Don Schroeder recently celebrated his 20th year with Schlecht Construction in Kelso.
Schroeder was hired at Schlecht as a carpenter foreman in 1987 and is now a project superintendent.
"I'm 66 and plan to work until I'm 70," Schroeder said.
Before moving to the Northwest, Schroeder worked as a carpenter in California.
Talking Business is a weekly column about business openings, closings or major changes. Contact reporter Erik Olson for any business news tips at
eolson@tdn.com
or at 577-2510.
... wrote on Feb 11, 2008 10:45 AM:
Kalama Voter wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:38 AM:
Chastity wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:44 AM:
For one this should prevent drunk driving even in small towns such as kalama. "
the butt wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:46 AM:
To Kalama voter wrote on Feb 11, 2008 1:28 PM:
Come on.......... wrote on Feb 11, 2008 1:56 PM:
A Kalama guy wrote on Feb 11, 2008 2:26 PM:
nice going kalama your taking the bull by the horns , instead of shooting the bull. "
tacompton wrote on Feb 11, 2008 2:47 PM:
if you are that high you deserve a trophy "
god lookin out wrote on Feb 11, 2008 3:23 PM:
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