85-7-1824. Conduct of hearing. At the time specified in the notice, the district court in which the petition is filed shall hear the petition but may adjourn such hearing from time to time not exceeding 2 weeks in all. The court, upon application of the petitioners, shall permit the petition to be amended and may order further or additional notice to be given. Upon such hearing, all persons interested whose lands or rights may be damaged or benefited by the granting of the petition or the exclusion of the lands from the district may appear and contest the same, and the contestants and petitioners may offer any competent evidence in regard thereto.