Cedar City
"Revolutionize Your Paycheck, Farm Fresh Fun in Cedar City, Dermatology Must in Utah, & Country Harmonies at Due West!"
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"Revolutionize Your Paycheck, Farm Fresh Fun in Cedar City, Dermatology Must in Utah, & Country Harmonies at Due West!"
Don't miss out on how to maximize your paycheck in 2026, fresh produce at the Cedar City Farmers Market, the importance of annual dermatology visits, and an intimate evening of country harmonies at Due West!
Michael Harding

Michael Harding

Maximize Your Paycheck: How the "No Tax on Overtime" Deduction Works in 2026

 
The "No Tax on Overtime" provision, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, has officially changed how millions of Americans file their taxes in 2026. While the name suggests a total exemption, it actually functions as a targeted federal income tax deduction designed to reward extra work.
 
How the Deduction Works
For the 2026 tax year, eligible workers can deduct "qualified overtime compensation" from their federal taxable income. Crucially, this deduction only applies to the "premium portion" of your pay—typically the "half" in time-and-a-half compensation—required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • Maximum Deduction: Individuals can deduct up to $12,500 annually, while married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $25,000.
  • Income Thresholds: The benefit begins to phase out for single filers with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers) and is completely eliminated at $275,000 ($550,000 for joint filers).
 
Key Changes for 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the IRS has implemented new reporting requirements to make claiming this benefit easier:
  • W-2 Reporting: Employers must now separately track qualified overtime using a new Box 12 Code "TT" on your W-2 form.
  • Withholding Adjustments: Workers can now update their Form W-4 using a new worksheet to reduce their federal withholding throughout the year, effectively increasing their per-period take-home pay.
 
Important Limitations
Despite the "no tax" label, overtime earnings are not fully exempt. You are still required to pay FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on the full amount. Additionally, state and local income taxes still apply unless your specific state has chosen to mirror the federal deduction.

Festival City Farmers Market, located in Cedar City, Utah

The market features various vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.

It aims to promote local agriculture and provide the community with access to locally sourced products.

The market is located at

100 WEST UNIVERSITY BLVD
CEDAR CITY, UTAH

and is open every Saturday from 10am - 1pm during the winter, offering a vibrant and bustling atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

Additionally, the market hosts special events and activities throughout the season to engage attendees and support local businesses.

Read More...

Why an Annual Dermatology Visit is Non-Negotiable in Utah

 
Utah is renowned for its breathtaking red rocks and world-class skiing, but these same geographic features—high elevation and intense UV exposure—place residents at a uniquely high risk for skin cancer. Understanding the local risks and the lifesaving power of an annual checkup is essential for every Utahn.
 
The "Utah Factor": Why Our Risks are Higher
Utah consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of melanoma in the nation.
  • Double the National Average: Utah’s melanoma incidence rate is approximately 42.4 cases per 100,000 people, more than double the national average of 20.7.
  • Elevation & Atmosphere: For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, UV radiation increases by roughly 10%. In high-altitude areas like Summit County, rates can soar to over 70 cases per 100,000.
  • UV Attribution: Research indicates that 95% of melanoma cases in Utah are directly attributed to UV radiation, the second-highest proportion in the U.S..
 
The Power of Early Detection
The primary reason to see a dermatologist annually is that skin cancer is highly curable if caught early.
  • Survival Rates: When melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
  • Preventing Spread: Once melanoma spreads to distant organs, survival rates drop significantly, sometimes to below 20%.
  • Expert Eyes: Dermatologists use specialized tools like dermatoscopes to see structures invisible to the naked eye, allowing them to spot "interval melanomas" before they become dangerous.
 
What to Expect During Your Yearly Checkup
A professional skin exam is quick, non-invasive, and usually takes less than 20 minutes.
  1. Head-to-Toe Exam: Your provider will check areas you can’t easily see, including your scalp, behind the ears, and the soles of your feet.
  2. Monitoring Changes: They will document existing moles to track changes in size, shape, or color over time.
  3. Pre-Cancer Treatment: Dermatologists can identify and treat actinic keratoses(rough, scaly patches) before they evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.
 
Take Action for Your Health
Given Utah's record-breaking skin cancer rates, a yearly screening is a vital part of preventive care. You can find specialized care at the
Huntsman Cancer Institute Melanoma Center or Intermountain Health Dermatology.

Due West: An Intimate Evening of Country Harmonies

 
Country music fans in southern Utah have a rare opportunity to catch the acclaimed trio Due West for a special performance next week. Known for their tight, three-part vocal harmonies that mirror the bond of siblings, Due West will bring their signature sound to Cedar City for an intimate acoustic set.
The group formed in 2004 after a chance meeting at a Nashville house party where members Tim Gates, Matt Lopez, and Brad Hull—all originally from the Western United States—discovered an instant musical connection. Over the last two decades, they have carved a significant niche in the country scene with hits like "Things You Can’t Do in a Car," which reached number 47 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Beyond their own recording success, the trio are accomplished songwriters whose work has been recorded by major artists such as Lady A and Thompson Square.
Concert Details:
  • Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  • Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Venue: Heritage Center Theater (105 N 100 E, Cedar City, UT)
  • Tickets: $30 for adults and $15 for students
Presented by Cedar City Music Arts, this concert promises a heartfelt evening of storytelling and world-class harmony in a beautiful local setting.
The Cedar City Ledger

© 2026 The Cedar City Ledger.

The Cedar City Ledger is Cedar City’s trusted weekly newsletter, delivering clear, balanced, and community-centered reporting straight to your inbox. Every issue brings together the stories that matter most to local residents—combining credible journalism with the heart of a hometown community connector. Published once a week, the Ledger highlights the key events, decisions, and people shaping Cedar City. From city council updates and public safety information to local business features, community spotlights, and uplifting good-news stories, our mission is simple: Keep Cedar City informed, connected, and proud of the place we call home. Designed for busy readers, each edition is clean, concise, and curated—giving you the essentials without the noise. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a new neighbor, or a local business leader, the Ledger is your go-to source for understanding what’s happening and why it matters. Your community. Clearly reported.

© 2026 The Cedar City Ledger.