— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Teresa Wood Trooper Mark Anderson joined with other Iowa State Patrol officers on Wednesday to thank Miriam Welch and her husband Bob for all the service and support they gave to the State Patrol over the 45 years of operating Boondocks USA at the Interstate 35 Exit 144 in Williams. Boondocks was the halfway point between the Fort Dodge and Cedar Falls districts where officers could meet and compare notes, have a hot meal or enjoy a cup of coffee.

WILLIAMS – A state-wide contingent of Iowa State Patrol officers gathered on Wednesday morning for one last breakfast and cup of coffee at Boondocks USA to honor Bob and Miriam Welch for their service and support over the past 45 years.

“There has been a lot of coffee consumed here,” said Iowa State Patrol Trooper Nat Ludwig. “A lot of stories have been told”.

Boondocks was the natural choice for officers to meet halfway while covering the District 7 region in Ft. Dodge and District 9 in Cedar Falls, explained Ludwig.

“It was a place to meet where you knew what you were going to get for a meal,” he said. “Everybody in the whole state is familiar with Boondocks”.

Included in the group of 25 officers were current and retired troopers. Bill James was stationed in Belmond in the 1970s and was at the opening day of Boondocks on June 5, 1973. Joining in the well wishers was John Graham, who began his service in 1959 and travelled the roads before there was an interstate. Retired Captain Gary Cooney of Fort Dodge also joined in adding stories that somehow always ended up at Boondocks.

The troopers voiced their appreciation to the Welches for their support of the State Patrol over the years and for their service to the public, especially during winter storms.

“This is the worst stretch of road in the state because it is flat and because of the wind,” said Ludwig. Every winter, many motorists found themselves stranded on the roads during blizzards. “It was a good spot to bring people”.

Not only was Boondocks open 24/7 during the storms, the Welches opened their doors to stranded motorists 365 days a year for 45 years, said Ludwig.

“We appreciate you not just for the service to the Iowa State Patrol, but to the people of Iowa,” said Ludwig in presenting the couple an engraved plaque.

In accepting the accolades, Bob Welch told the troopers that many good stories were borne from those experiences.

One specific storm in the 1980s shut down the interstate for two nights and stranded many motorists in the cafe. An off-duty state trooper took over as grill cook and a deputy sheriff ran the dishwasher. But one disgruntled motorist complained that he was not going to pay his bill. Welch directed the unhappy man to the trooper manning the grill if he had a complaint.

“This place was always a beacon in the middle of a snowstorm,” said Trooper Mark Ardes. “The Boondocks sign was very comforting in a snowstorm.”

Boondocks was always a haven for state patrol officers wanting to take a break.

“This was always a place to talk and relax or get your car fixed,” said Ludwig. “We appreciate your service to us and the public.”

“We have many wonderful memories,” Bob Welch thanked the troopers in accepting the certificate and plaque.

“We are grateful for every minute,” said Miriam Welch.