About the Western District Net and its Managers
The Western District Net was the brainchild of Bart Bridge, W2ZYQ. In 1973, a group met at the home of Allen Capwell, WA2GVM, Sheriff of Wyoming County, to plan a new repeater. Bart, a Commercial Sales Manager for General Electric radio systems, obtained a reconditioned GE Mastr II repeater, which was donated to the Western District Office of New York Civil Defense, now the State Emergency Management Office. W2ZIA/R (now WA2CAM/R) was activated on 146.640 in October 1975.
From the beginning, the philosophy was to maintain a state-owned repeater, tested daily and available to public service agencies in the Western District as a backup to government communications.
By the summer of 1976, Don Partis, WA2AIV, had eight years of experience operating with the New York State CW Traffic Net, New York State RACES Net, and Navy-Marine Corps MARS. During Hurricane Agnes in 1972, he heard poor operating procedures and realized that Western New York amateurs needed training in proper message handling. With the new repeater available, the opportunity existed to create that training.
Don Partis, WA2AIV, the RACES Radio Officer for the Western District, and with a repeater owned by New York State, no one objected to using 15 to 30 minutes to conduct a net. Don called the first WDN session at 0133Z on June 15, 1976. The net initially met on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 0130Z for liaison with New York State and quickly grew in attendance. On August 9, 1976, the WDN became a daily net and has continued to train operators and serve the public ever since.
Except for his two sons, Don wrote that he was most proud of having created the WDN.
WDN Managers
Gary KB2YAA
WDN Net Manager
Gary, KB2YAA, is a dedicated amateur radio operator and longtime supporter of traffic handling and public service communications in Western New York. He is well known for his involvement with the Western District Net (WDN), where he serves as Net Manager and helps guide daily net operations, training, and member support.
Gary is also active with VHF THIN (Traffic Handlers Information Net), where he helps stations better understand message handling, net procedures, and the role of the National Traffic System. His patient leadership and willingness to mentor operators of all experience levels have made him a valued resource for both new and seasoned hams.
Through his work with WDN, Gary has helped preserve and promote the traditions of formal traffic handling while encouraging participation, learning, and public service. His efforts support reliable communications across Western New York and help ensure that amateur radio operators remain prepared to serve when needed.
Whether assisting with routine net operations, training future traffic handlers, or supporting public service communications, Gary, KB2YAA, continues to be an important part of the Western New York amateur radio community.
Tim KD2IWN
WDN Co-Manager
Tim, KD2IWN, is an active amateur radio operator in Western New York and serves as Assistant Net Manager for the Western District Net (WDN). Through his work with the WDN, Tim helps support the daily operations of the net and promotes the traditions of formal traffic handling within the National Traffic System.
Tim is dedicated to helping amateur radio operators develop their operating skills, particularly in message handling and net procedures. He regularly assists with coordination of net activities and encourages both new and experienced operators to participate in traffic handling and public service communications.
As part of the Western District Net leadership team, Tim works closely with Net Manager Gary, KB2YAA, to maintain the net as a reliable training environment and communication resource for Western New York. His commitment to organized net operations and mentoring operators helps ensure that the WDN continues to serve the amateur radio community and the public when communication support is needed.
Tim resides in Hamburg, New York, and remains an enthusiastic advocate for amateur radio, emergency communications, and community involvement.
Western District Net Historical Highlights
Compiled from the WDN Archives
WDN/Morning: AF2K, NM; K2BCL, ANM
WDN/Early: ND2S, NM; AA2ED, ANM
WDN/Late: WI2G, NM