TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – An aide to U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts has been named Kansan of the Year by a group that celebrates the state’s heritage.

Harold Stones, of Topeka, will be honored Jan. 27 in Topeka at the annual banquet of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.

Stones has been director of special projects for Roberts since 1997, serving primarily as Roberts’ liaison to military bases, local governments, businesses and business groups.

Stones also is a former CEO for the Kansas Bankers Association.

Roberts himself was Distinguished Kansan in 1999.