Everything thrown upstream eventually arrives downstream. That includes rumors.

Words travel further than the room they were said in. Something you repeated about somebody because it was funny does not stop moving when you stop telling it, and it tends to reach that person eventually, usually with your name attached. Nothing has to be dramatic for this to happen. Information just flows, and small places are especially reliable about it.

Before you pass anything on this week, ask whether you would say it with the person standing there. If not, let it end with you. If you have already thrown something in, tell them yourself before the water does.