Tennessee Code Title 54. Highways, Bridges and Ferries § 54-12-132

(a) If at the time set for hearing it appears to the monthly county court that any person entitled to notice as provided in §§ 54-12-128 -- 54-12-131 has not received notice, the hearing shall be adjourned until the person can be given the required notice, and the court shall not lose jurisdiction of the subject matter or of the persons already properly notified by the adjournment or postponement.

(b) The person concerned may appear and be heard without formally answering the petition in writing; provided, that the writ or summons and the publication notice need not give or set out in any detail the contents of the petition or its prayer.