The Connecticut newspaper publisher thrust into the national spotlight because of his role in the purchase of Nevada's largest paper purchased another publication last week.

The Block Island Times' current publishers, Fraser Lang and Betty Rawls Lang, confirmed that Michael Schroeder bought the paper in on the newspaper's website.

"We are confident that the new owner, Michael Schroeder, has the vision, resources and experience to take the helm," they wrote. "We are pleased that his wife Janet will also play a role in the day-to-day management. They offer decades of business experience. Most importantly, they exhibit in their employment and volunteer work, a commitment to the community and its betterment."

Schroeder, who owns four Connecticut newspapers, including the Bristol Press and the New Britain Herald, garnered attention after News + Media Capital Group LLC, of which he is the manager, paid $140 million for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Soon after the sale was announced, the main investors were identified as the family of Sheldon Adelson, a prominent casino operator and billionaire Republican backer.

On Dec. 1, a 1,900-word story on business courts appeared in the New Britain Herald, with a quarter of the story focused on a Las Vegas judge that Adelson has clashed with.

The author of that article, identified as Edward Clarkin, cannot be found on state voting rolls, property records, lawyer registries or social-media sites, and several current and former newspaper employees said they never met anyone by that name.

A press release stated that the terms of the sale for the Block Island Times were not released, but it is expected to close on Friday. The current staff, headed by editor Lars Trodson, will remain in place, according to the release.

Schroeder said he acquired the publication independently and, in a written statement, said the decision will "strengthen the company's commitment to its current businesses."

"We hope to serve the island's residents with the same commitment we have shown to readers and advertisers in Central Connecticut, with strong, independent editorial content and service to advertisers," he said. "We expect the two locations to complement each other. The island tourist market is strong during the summer [and] the Connecticut papers are strong during the fourth quarter."

Schroeder said the expansion is intended to offer more options for employees at both companies.

"We'll be able to give our people more opportunities, hopefully creating more work at both locations. Success means having happy people doing what they do best," he said.

The Langs purchased the Block Island Times, a weekly newspaper founded in 1970, in 2006. The couple, who founded Manisses Communications Group Inc. in Providence, were the paper's fifth publishers, according to the publication's website.

Fraser Lang declined Sunday to comment further about the sale, saying in an email: "Our statement covers everything we wish to say."

The Langs will remain with the Block Island Times in a consulting role, "focusing on new business opportunities and advising Schroeder on sales and editorial matters," according to the press release.

"We enter a new chapter of our lives grateful for the opportunity to have served as the publishers of the newspaper in this community that we cherish," the couple wrote. "Our goal has always been to deliver objective journalism and a forum for community discussion. This is a public trust as well as a job. Thanks to everyone for your friendship and support. And welcome to Janet and Michael Shroeder with best wishes for their success."

Courant staff writer Matthew Kauffman contributed to this story.

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