The probate judge to whom the application for a going out of business sale or distress merchandise sale license is made, or his designee, shall conduct a public hearing not later than two weeks after an application has been filed. At least one week prior to such hearing the probate judge shall publish, at the expense of the applicant, a notice of the hearing in a local newspaper of general circulation. The probate judge may require that a record be made of the public hearing and that the testimony at such hearing be under oath.