Three Forks, Montana — Carl Mohler, who was appointed as the city court judge of Three Forks three years ago, recently presided over his first court case. This milestone came after a waiting period marked by community service aspirations and rigorous training in the nuances of local law.
Mohler moved to Three Forks in 2013, where he expressed interest in contributing to the city’s governance. City Clerk Crystal Turner and Treasurer Kelly Smith recognized his commitment and invited him to interview for the judicial position following the retirement of his predecessor. Mohler successfully secured the role, undergoing extensive training focused on courts of limited jurisdiction and successfully completing a challenging four-hour examination that covered ethics, landlord-tenant laws, and various Montana legal statutes relevant to local ordinance violations and misdemeanors.
After finally hearing cases in court, Mohler described the experience as both strange and gratifying. “It’s been a little strange and a little frustrating,” he said, referring to the long wait between his appointment and the arrival of cases. Despite the initial slow pace, he remains hopeful that increased cases will help alleviate some of the burden on neighboring justice courts in Bozeman.
Looking to the future, Mohler expressed a desire to continue serving in the role for another four years beyond 2026, when his current term concludes. He remains optimistic that more cases will flow into his court.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Mohler is deeply involved in competitive Strongman events. He began participating in these competitions three years ago, although his weightlifting journey began four decades earlier. Competing in a field typically dominated by larger athletes, Mohler, who stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds, has nonetheless achieved considerable success in the master’s class.
Moreover, he serves as the Montana representative for U.S. Strongman and has organized six competitions. This August, he plans to host various events, including a women-only competition and the first Pro Strong Man’s Show in Montana at the Haynes Pavilion in September.
As he prepares for his third national competition on June 28 near Charlotte, Mohler is eager to demonstrate his improvements, particularly after recovering from a knee injury sustained during his previous national effort. He recalled finishing 11th out of 13 participants in his division during his inaugural national competition, emphasizing the challenge of competing against significantly larger opponents.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Mohler has dedicated time to his community as the Commander of American Legion Post 93, working to support local students and community initiatives. “We try to help the kids out where we can,” he noted, highlighting the post’s active involvement despite its smaller size.
Through his dual roles as a judge and a Strongman competitor, Mohler embodies a commitment to both justice and community engagement in Three Forks.
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