The deadline came—and it went—and the final bid, pending approval of the Watauga County commission, is in on the old Watauga High campus. Templeton Properties’ $18,948,000 bid will net the county just over $18 million, but Phil Templeton is still mum on the plans for the property.

That might end next Tuesday when the commissioners will have their first opportunity to approve the deal, that while knowing the town of Boone has been looking for a mixed use for the property from firms that have made bids to this point. The town has an allocation of water guaranteed to help with the sale, but they, too, will look carefully as the plan for the property is revealed.