The top videos of 2015

We often joke in the visual department that the stories with the most clicks are always the ones about fires, crime, cannabis and cute critters or children. In 2015, the videos with the most views proved our theory to be true.

Aside from the excitement of crime and the ever-changing cannabis industry Columbian videographer Ariane Kunze worked on some larger projects with heavier subject matter.

In our selection of the best videos of 2015, we included a few of the stories that reveal the immense strength and determination of the residents of Clark County. We showed the community what it looks like to battle ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in our three-day series, A Strong Man.

We also spent time alongside several homeless families in Vancouver to discover alternative living arrangements in the series, Hidden Homeless.

Regardless of the context, everyone has a story to share. With video, we are granted a sneak peek into the world of the individuals who make this community an interesting and great place to live. We are privileged to witness the sights, sounds, struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Here are our most viewed and favorite videos of 2015.

Most viewed videos

Medical marijuana farmer Tom Lauerman has dedicated his life to normalizing cannabis in the U.S. He went from being arrested at his medical collective in 1999, to working with the federal government today to establish the first ever national safety guidelines for the cannabis industry. Full story: http://bit.ly/1kGx7az

On April 21, Columbian reporter Emily Gillespie geared up with the Camas-Washougal Fire Department to observe fire training at a Camas home. Gillespie partnered with Chief Nick Swinhart and entered the burning home where she learned about firefighting procedures and safety. Full story: http://bit.ly/1DQ6rpL

On July 2, Vancouver police raided Grow Systems Northwest on suspision of illegal manufacturing, distributing and delivering of cannabis, according to police. Full story: http://bit.ly/1U7luoO

One stoned night in college, Vancouver artist, Cliff Maynard, discovered a way to make art from roach papers, the leftover ends of marijuana joints that some people throw away. Full story: http://bit.ly/1kiP5iG

Editor’s pick

Donna Pinaula and her kids have been homeless in Vancouver since 2012. They have stayed with family, in shelters and in a tent. In this video, The Columbian followed Donna and her kids through a typical day. Full story: http://bit.ly/1kiQjus

Akhil Jhaveri was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in July 2011, and while he lost the ability to move his limbs and now has a feeding tube, he is trying to embrace the time he has left with his loved ones.
This is the first segment of a three part series about Akhil and his journey with ALS. Full story: http://bit.ly/1JEXeEQ

90-year-old Charles DeTemple has lived on his family farm in Camas since 1925, with the exception of three years when he fought in World War II. He was recently awarded the Legion of Honor medal by a French official for his WWII service. Full story: http://bit.ly/1VmQpP5

When Tanya Bachman found out she had breast cancer in 1999, instead of counting down the days she had left, she decided to count up. She has now survived more than 800 weeks. An art teacher at Laurin Middle School in Vancouver, Bachman recently received the Washington Art Education Association “Middle Educator of the Year” award for her excellent teaching. Full story: http://bit.ly/1CBX2ai

Braxton Thomsen shares his perspective on life as a deaf, transgender man living in Vancouver. Full story: http://bit.ly/1IzjoxE