Kansas turns 150 this year. To celebrate, Kansas legislators will flock to Lecompton on Kansas Day, Jan. 29.

Some will be horseback or tucked into vintage carriages as they stroll to Constitution Hall in downtown Lecompton. And it’s possible Gov. Sam Brownback will be among the horse riders, according to Paul Bahnmaier, president of the Lecompton Historical Society.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to let the United States know that Kansas is celebrating its 150th birthday,” Bahnmaier told Douglas County commissioners Wednesday.

Lecompton was the territorial capital of Kansas from 1855-1861, which makes it an appropriate place to gather and celebrate, he said. Lecompton’s plan to include Kansas legislators in their birthday party plans earned an endorsement Wednesday from county commissioners, who also agreed to draft an official endorsement, which they will send to other legislators, hoping to boost participation.

“I think it’s important for the leaders to understand this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our history,” said Commission Chairwoman Nancy Thellman.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to spend $16,667 to add to a federal grant of $76,000 that will fund a salary for a prosecutor who will handle crimes against women. The federal grant is made available through the STOP Violence Against Women Act.

“The overall goal is to match up victims or survivors with an attorney, which is not being done right now because there is not a dedicated attorney,” said Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson.