diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES b/RELEASE-NOTES
index 209649e..208d9da 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES
@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+version 0.9.17
+--------------
+
+- have all the DBs use fsync on write; hopefully means DB won't corrupt in
+  case of a kernel panic (issue 75)
+- replace $DONATION_ADDRESS in banner file
+
 version 0.9.16
 --------------
 
diff --git a/server/version.py b/server/version.py
index 4648a81..f6706c0 100644
--- a/server/version.py
+++ b/server/version.py
@@ -1 +1 @@
-VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.9.16"
+VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.9.17"