(a)

(1) If no exception shall be taken to the award of the appraisers and no appeal taken from any judgment rendered by the circuit court, then the levee or drainage district seeking to condemn the right-of-way shall pay the award to the person in whose favor the award is made, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one (1) of which shall be attached to the award and filed with the proceedings in the cause.

(2) However, in the event the owner of the land, material, or property is unknown, or if it is uncertain who he or she is, or if there are conflicting claims to the land or to the award, or any part thereof, then the levee or drainage district shall pay the award to the clerk of the circuit court of the proper county for the owner and take the clerk's receipt from the owner and have it recorded in the book provided for the recording of petitions. The clerk and his or her sureties shall be answerable for the safekeeping of the money.

(b)

(1) Any claimants to the land may file an application in the circuit court and set up title to the land or property, and after giving notice to all adverse claimants by summons if they are residents of the county, and by warning order if nonresidents of the county or unknown, then the claimants shall have their claim to the money adjudicated and tried as other cases are tried under the rules and practice of the circuit court. Upon a final hearing, the circuit court shall direct a proper disposition of the money.

(2) The judgment shall be a bar to recovery against the levee or drainage district for any other or further compensation or damages for the construction or maintenance of the levee, ditch, drain, or canal.