A copy of the petition together with a copy of the court's order fixing the time and place of hearing shall be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the town in which the land included in the survey lies once a week for three consecutive weeks on the same day of the week, the last publication to be not less than five days before the hearing date, and a copy of the petition, together with a copy of the court's order fixing the time and place of hearing, and a copy of the survey shall be placed on file in the clerk's office of the town. The petition, together with the court's order fixing the time and place of hearing, shall be served upon each person owning or having an interest in land to be purchased or condemned like a summons, or, on absent defendants, in such manner as the Supreme Court may by rule provide for service of process in civil actions. If the service on any defendant is impossible, upon affidavit of the sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable attempting service, therein stating that the location of the defendant within or without the State is unknown and that he or she has no known agent or attorney in the State of Vermont upon which service may be made, the publication herein provided shall be deemed sufficient service on the defendant. Compliance with the provisions hereof shall constitute sufficient service upon and notice to any person owning or having any interest in the land proposed to be taken or affected. (1963, No. 214, § 4; amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 203, eff. March 29, 1972.)