The only things missing from the crime scene in Natchez and Vidalia Monday were the Mystery Machine, Scooby and the gang.

And if it weren’t for the criminal charges and wasted time and money, Monday’s episode would truly be laughable, just like the cartoon.

Think about it; the bad guy steals something called an odor tank, he drives across town, unknowingly leaving a trail of stench in his wake. The town around him panics and calls in the experts.

But instead of Scooby’s nose coming to the rescue, this time the mystery work was done by Atmos Energy Manager Andrew Calvit and gang with help from local law enforcement.

It really didn’t take long at all for Atmos to realize what was going on. In fact, the gas company was so on the ball that they pre-warned a local scrap metal business of what may be coming their way before the stolen tank could make the 15 minute drive.

The community was in no real danger Monday, but no one knew that for sure.

The quick work of Atmos and law enforcement saved further worries and cleared the air, literally.

And that, we think, is worth more than one Scooby Snack.