On August 5, 2025, at about 5:47 a.m., the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal collision on State Route 39 near Walnut Creek Cheese. According to deputies, 27-year-old Maria H. Kempf of Fresno was riding a Biktrix electric bicycle when she slowed to turn into a driveway and was struck by a westbound 2015 GMC Denali.

Kempf was wearing a reflective vest and had a flashing rear light. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver cooperated with investigators, and no charges have been filed as the case remains under review. State Route 39 is a key east–west highway in Holmes County, passing through Millersburg, Berlin, and Walnut Creek.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) currently has multiple projects on this corridor. Crews are repairing a bridge over Crab Run, including work on the superstructure and approaches. Another project is underway about three miles west of Millersburg to repair a culvert on SR 39.

In Berlin Township, ODOT has advanced plans for approximately 0.65 miles of sidewalk and shared-use path along SR 39 and US 62 to improve pedestrian access. In addition, ODOT presented six design options earlier this year for the busy intersection of US 62, SR 39, and SR 557 near Berlin, which include alternatives such as added turn lanes or roundabouts. All of these projects are confirmed by official ODOT releases and local reporting.

State Route 39 continues to serve as a central artery in Holmes County while safety and infrastructure upgrades move forward in specific locations