Bad news indeed, but at least it means we're not wasting our time chasing rumors.
I just confirmed that the villagers here are awfully stubborn and rallying them to properly defend the village before the undead show up may just be impossible.
Anyway, the only places left to check are the common houses, the forest, and the goats. I suggest we split in two groups to check the common houses and goats now, then go to the forest all together since there may be something dangerous already there. Volunteering myself for the common houses team next.