(1) A contested case hearing shall be conducted in the manner of civil actions before the district court, sitting without a jury, and the hearing officer may enter appropriate orders during the course of the hearing to assure the conduct of a fair hearing. The method and scope of the presentation of evidence at hearing, as well as the conduct of the hearing, recesses, and continuances, is within the sound discretion of the hearing officer.

(2) The hearing officer may enter appropriate orders to control the conduct of the parties or their attorneys, including conduct which is disruptive or constitutes contempt, and may recess, continue, or limit the course of hearing.