115.597.  Appeal from circuit court decisions allowed, procedure for. — In all cases of contested elections, except contested elections heard by the supreme court or the state senate or house of representatives, the right of appeal shall exist, and appeals may be taken in the same time or manner and to the same courts as is provided by law for appeals in cases in equity.  The practice and procedure prescribed in civil actions shall be followed in all respects not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 115.553 to 115.583.  Upon the filing of any such appeal, the court shall give the case preference in the order of hearing to all other cases and modify its rules to the extent necessary to conclude the appeal as quickly as possible.  In every case of such appeal, a bond with sufficient sureties conditioned for the payment of the costs accrued and to accrue in the cause may be required by any court in which the case is pending.