I inquired Larry Walsh of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette regarding Laurel Mountain. Here is his response:

Good Afternoon,
Thanks for your e-mail.
A DCNR spokeswoman told me earlier this week that three "interested parties" have spoken with DCNR officials about Laurel Mountain but that nothing has advanced beyond the discussion stage.
Time is running out for opening this season. A lot of maintenance work has to be done, grass has to be cut, all the lifts have to be tested and inspected, the snowmaking system has to be tested, the snowgrooming equipment has to be checked, the snowmaking ponds have to be worked on.
If a new operator surfaces, I'll write about it. If not, I'll include a status report on Laurel Mountain in our annual Ski Travel section that is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 14.
-- Larry Walsh

Lawrence Walsh
Consumer Columnist/Snow Sports Columnist/Recreational Bicycling Columnist
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

That's great information. Thanks Dave!