Travel Advice to Aso for 1 Day Trip

I am going to Kyushu in July.
I would like to have a stay in Aso.

Since last night I will be staying in Beppu, I will take the 'Kyushu Odan Tokkyu" (First train 0916 from Beppu) and will arrive at Aso 1146. I know that there is a bus go to 1335 from Aso station. I want to ask for something:
1. Is there any luggage storage near Aso Station?
2. I know the Mount Aso Ropeway is closed right now. Is there any news when will it be re-opened?

Beppu 0916-1127 Aso: JR / Trans Kyushu Express #72
http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/trains/oudan/index.html

Coin lockers at "Michi no Eki Aso" (within one minute on foot from JR Aso). 400 yen per day.
http://asoplaza.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/02/post-63f8.html

Aso 1342-1533 Kumamoto: Sanko Bus / Yamabiko Go
http://www.kyusanko.co.jp/sankobus/toshikan/yamabiko/table/tt2.pdf

No one can predict the status of the volcano.
http://www.kyusanko.co.jp/aso/

The fastest route to Aso would be
Beppu 643-(JR)-657 Oita 704-(bus)-912 Aso.

540 yen, now?
http://www.aso-denku.jp/cloakroom/